Pierce Capital Entertainment hosted an exclusive VIP screening and celebratory reception on the evening at Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Casa Dani in Century City in honor of the upcoming release of The Wizard of the Kremlin. The event featured a special pre-release screening of the highly anticipated political thriller starring Paul Dano, Jude Law, Alicia Vikander, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright.
Notable attendees included filmmaker and executive producer Thomas Pierce, actor Luis del Toro, Efren Ramirez, Nicky Whelan, Nolan Funk, producer Larry Kasanoff, Oscar-winning producer Lawrence Bender, E! founder Larry Namer, Oscar-winning producer Daniel Drefuss, writer/director Alex Burunova, and more.
Following the screening, guests attended an intimate afterparty at Casa Dani, the acclaimed Spanish restaurant by three-Michelin-star Chef Dani García and Sam Nazarian, located within the sbe space in Century City. DJ Pedro provided music throughout the evening, keeping the celebration going until midnight.
Guests enjoyed an elevated culinary experience featuring passed Spanish tapas, a curated wine selection by The French Vine, and specialty mezcal cocktails by Zomoz Mezcal. Death Before Decaf delighted attendees with expertly crafted espresso martinis made with their signature ready-to-drink cold brew.
Directed by Olivier Assayas and co-written with Emmanuel Carrère, The Wizard of the Kremlin is a 2025 English-language French political thriller and dark comedy based on Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling novel. The film follows Vadim Baranov (Paul Dano), a former artist who becomes a powerful political strategist during the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of Vladimir Putin, portrayed by Jude Law. The ensemble cast also includes Alicia Vikander, Will Keen, Tom Sturridge, and Jeffrey Wright.
The film premiered in competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, earning a 12-minute standing ovation and a nomination for the Golden Lion. It later screened as a Gala Presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be released theatrically nationwide by Vertical on May 15, following strong box office success in Europe.
Image credit: Casa Dani and BFA
