Director/filmmaker Harrison Engle, TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, guest, director Ang Lee (DGA Lifetime Achievement Award), and Freda Ou, chairman of LABA South China
Beverly Hills, California, USA. 8th February, 2025. The 77th Annual Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards were held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The evening’s top prize category, Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Theatrical Feature Film went to Sean Baker for “Anora", the Michael Apted First-Time Theatrical Feature Film award went to RaMell Ross for “Nickel Boys,”and the Documentary film award went to Brendan Bellomo and Slava Leontyev for "Porcelain War." In television, the Dramatic Series award went to Frederick E.O. Toye for “Shogun,” and the Comedy Series award went to Lucia Aniello for “Hacks.” Actress Michelle Yeoh presented the DGA’s 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned director Ang Lee for his distinguished achievement in feature films.
For a complete list of the award winners, go to the DGA website.
Director/filmmaker Harrison Engle, director Ang Lee (DGA Lifetime Achievement Award), and TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA
Slava Leontyev and Brendan Bellomo (R) holding porcelain figure of "Porcelain War," (Documentary film winners) with director/filmmaker Harrison Engle (center)
Judd Apatow hosted the ceremony before an audience of more than 1,000 guests. Presenters included (in alphabetical order): Maude Apatow, Ike Barinholtz, Adrien Brody, Marie Cantin, Colman Domingo, Paul W. Downs, Ayo Edebiri, Elle Fanning, Ralph Fiennes, Justine Lupe, Mikey Madison, Kathleen McGill, Demi Moore, Christopher Nolan, Zoe Saldana, Timothy Simons, Sebastian Stan, Taylor Tomlinson, Jessica Williams, Bowen Yang, and Michelle Yeoh.
Director/filmmaker Harrison Engle, Talk show host/LABA Board member Carlos Amezcua of Beond TV
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA, attended the ceremony as a guest of Harrison Engle, a DGA member who has directed and produced over 80 films and TV shows, and won many awards. Engle is also a LABA Board member and co-chairman of the LABA Biennial International Art Festival. Freda Ou, chairman of LABA South China, talk show host/LABA Board member Carlos Amezcua of Beond TV, model/actress Dustin Quick, and others stopped by to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the event.
Model/actress Dustin Quick and TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA
Director/filmmaker Harrison Engle and Freda Ou, chairman of LABA South China
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Cynthia Clarté, MDSUN, Youben Hu Art Studio, En Guangzhi Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
Updated: Feb 5
Attendees at the "Transience to the Infinite: A Scientific Exploration of Time and Space" art exhibition at Wönzimer Gallery
Los Angeles, California, USA. 17th January, 2025. The opening night of the exhibition "Transience to the Infinite: A Scientific Exploration of Time and Space" was held at Wönzimer Gallery in Los Angeles, California. The exhibition brings together a diverse group of artists and features Bonita Helmer, Laddie John Dill, Ann Weber, Alaïa Parhizi, Max Coppeta, Todd Williamson, Khang Nguyen, Amedeo Sanzone, Nurit Avesar, and Lisa Bartleson. Their works offer unique perspectives on the ephemeral nature of existence and the boundless possibilities of the universe. Curated by Cynthia Penna, the exhibition runs through February 14th, 2025.
Artist Laddie John Dill with his artwork
The exhibition explores the nuanced intersection between human experience, daily struggles, and spiritual transcendence—where art becomes a means of navigating the liminal spaces between the physical and metaphysical. The transcendental, often viewed as timeless and spaceless, resonates deeply with the core of artistic creation. Far from the strict boundaries of scientific inquiry, art ventures into those vast unknowns where metaphysics and human consciousness collide. This exhibition invites viewers to contemplate moments of "divine" revelation, not in the religious sense, but as profound instances in which the mind perceives beyond the material world, tapping into a realm that surpasses time and space.
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), and Cynthia Penna, founder of ART1307, and curator of this exhibition with artwork by Todd Williamson
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA), attended the exhibition at the gallery with LABA artists Xia Yang, Jianwei Wang, and Tian Chen, and Freda Ou, LABA South China CEO, attending by video conference. Todd Williamson, contemporary abstract artist, is also a LABA board member and had two artworks on display.
Freda Ou, LABA South China CEO, attending by video conference
Artist Xia Wang attending by video conference
Artist Jianwei Wang attending by video conference
Artist Tian Chen attending by video conference
In art, humanity seeks such revelations—a desire to transcend the mundane and ascend to a higher, perhaps mystical, plane. This echoes across cultural and religious contexts, in which the ultimate goal is to connect with what is often referred to as God. The role of art in this quest for spirituality is fundamental. As a visual medium, art provides the vehicle for meditative introspection, offering viewers a window into higher truths. Saint Paul’s assertion in his Sermon at the Areopagus of Athens that “God created man so that he might seek Him” resonates here, as art becomes the catalyst for such a search—an intimate and often silent dialogue between the viewer and the ineffable.
Gallerist Aidan Nelson with artwork by Todd Williamson
But what of mysticism in the contemporary era? Is there still space for such contemplation in our material-obsessed world? Wassily Kandinsky provides a prophetic answer. He once remarked on the "tragic collision between matter and spirit" in his era, foreseeing the rupture of a purely materialistic worldview. Kandinsky's words, spoken over a century ago, describe a cultural crisis that feels remarkably familiar today—a time marked by uncertainty, disorientation, and spiritual yearning.
TV host Joey Zhou, founder of LABA with artist/writer Caley O'Dwyer
This transformation begins with an acknowledgment of our own smallness within the vast, intricate mechanism of the universe. If we could pause to truly grasp the magnitude of what lies “OUT THERE” beyond our limited world, perhaps only then would we see art and introspective thought as the fragile but powerful tools they are: means of reconnecting with a broader, more profound sense of existence.
Gallerist and artist Alaïa Parhizi with his artwork
The exhibition thus calls on us to reflect on this urgency for change. It urges a recalibration of our behaviors, anchored in the realization of our finitude and insignificance in the grand cosmic design. And yet, it also reminds us that, within this immense scope, we have the capacity for profound insight, expression, and—through art—a connection to the infinite.
Curator of the exhibition Cynthia Penna
Attendees at the "Transience to the Infinite: A Scientific Exploration of Time and Space" art exhibition at Wönzimer Gallery
Wönzimer Gallery
About Wönzimer Gallery
Founded by two independent visionaries—Swiss artist and musician, Alaïa Parhizi, and American entrepreneur, Aidan Nelson—Wönzimer embraces a lively energy that is cultivated through professional leadership and a genuine love of diversity. Living up to its name, which translates to "living room" in German, Wönzimer fosters a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels at home. This spirit of inclusivity is the foundation behind fostering joyful, spontaneous interactions between extraordinary individuals from all walks of life. Wönzimer is interested in unique voices from all different backgrounds to inspire and question the world we live in today. And it does this through an ever-evolving embrace of the vast creative potential of human beings. You are welcome here, so come share your voice at Wönzimer! Wonzimer Gallery is located at 341-B S Avenue 17 Los Angeles 9003. For more information: wonzimerinfo@gmail.com
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Cynthia Clarté, MDSUN, Youben Hu Art Studio, En Guangzhi Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation
Sir Laurent Khaiat
Sir Laurent Khaiat, who joined the Los Angeles Beverly Arts (LABA) as an advisor last year, has been elected to join as a member of the LABA Board of Directors. Khaiat holds leadership positions in many corporate and charitable organizations. He is Chairman of the Board of Lakshumi Corporation, President & CEO of the Imperial Order Of Constantine The Great and St. Helen, the Marquis of Sicily and Knight Grand Cross of the Royal and Sovereign House of Cappadocia, and President of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Beverly Hills. His honors include the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, Humanitarian Award from the United Nations Association (UNA-USA), the Medal of Honor and the King Charles III Leadership Award from the Royal Society of St. George, California Branch.
In 2002, Khaiat was awarded a nobility title by Fons Honorum and Jus Majestatis from the
Sovereign and Grand Prince Rafael Andujar y Vilches of the Royal House of Cappadocia. He has carved out a formidable legacy through his remarkable achievements and contributions to society. As the Marquis of Sicily of Cappadocia, he holds a position of significant influence and authority, contributing to the welfare of many countries in southeast Asia with a steadfast commitment to progress and prosperity.
Khaiat has distinguished himself as a valiant and astute leader, displaying unwavering dedication to the welfare of the children of Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and the elderly citizens of Japan. He has been a steadfast advocate for justice and equity, implementing reforms that have improved the lives of the common people and fostered a sense of unity and harmony within his domain. He has also made significant contributions to the geopolitical landscape, leveraging his diplomatic prowess to forge alliances and navigate the complexities of international relations within the Free Masons of the World. His strategic acumen and statesmanship have earned him the
respect of his peers, and earned him many accolades as an ongoing source of inspiration to those around him.
The Beverly Arts News is sponsored by Cynthia Clarté, MDSUN, Youben Hu Art Studio, En Guangzhi Art Studio, and The Beverly Arts Foundation