Ariana Grande and Nicole Kidman Among Oscar Contenders Expected to Attend National Board of Review Gala

Their ‘Wicked’ Ways

The National Board of Review kicks off the award season, being the first event of all the Oscar hopefuls. The winners were revealed back in December, but the gala took place on Tuesday night.

It’s always hosted at Cipriani and chaired by its president, Annie Schulhof, who wore a custom Dior suit likely exceeding the cost of the entire dinner.

The earliest arrivals included Jesse Eisenberg, whose film “A Real Pain” — which he wrote, directed, and stars in — is now showing in theaters. This emotional story reflects on a trip back to Poland to visit his grandmother’s former residence. “It took me 14 years to write this. I’m dedicating the 15th year to promotion, and I’ll be flying back home first thing tomorrow morning.”

Next was his co-star, Kieran Culkin, fresh off his Golden Globe win on Sunday. At this stylish dinner, Kieran opted for a blue-green sweater paired with maroon pants, saying he dressed better in Warsaw.

Cynthia Erivo of “Wicked” adorned in a gown featuring wired hoops inside, showcasing her numerous tattoos. Quite stunning, but locating her behind for a restroom break may pose a challenge.

Christine Baranski breezed past me as if I were one of the waitstaff.

Ariana Grande, also from “Wicked,” dazzled with a large diamond necklace, her pink Loewe gown featuring a completely open back where one could easily jot down the price of her necklace.

John Lithgow, part of the cast of the papal drama “Conclave,” shared: “I’ve been performing in the play ‘Giant’ on the West End in London. I hope it’s a massive success. I portray Roald Dahl.” It opens in April.

Among the last arrivals, Nicole Kidman turned heads. She asked, “Want to know how amazing our lives are? I just flew in from LA. I woke up at 5 this morning. Looking this fabulous took a lot of effort.” Her dress was stunning in the front, while the back showcased large pearl accents, leaving little room for snacking on a bagel. Her backside was slimmer than my eyebrow pencil.

Lin-Manuel Miranda greeted me with a quick “hi” and a kiss as if that meant something. Daniel Craig added, “I cook. French cuisine is my specialty, and I do enjoy a drink.”

Permanent MC Willie Geist mentioned, “I’m going to be performing in ‘Wicked’ at a theater in Ridgefield, Connecticut.” Oh really? “Universal is my boss.”