Hollywood Stars Shine at Luncheon for Penelope Cruz

In a dazzling display of star power, Kristen Stewart and Salma Hayek brought together some of Hollywood's most celebrated talents for a special luncheon on Thursday.

The event, held at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental residences in Beverly Hills, was dedicated to honoring Penelope Cruz for her leading role in the much-anticipated biopic “Ferrari,” set to premiere this Christmas Day.

The atmosphere was electric as Kristen and Salma welcomed an array of A-list guests, their smiles lighting up the room.

Penelope, ever the fashionista, turned heads in a chic white boule mini dress, likely from Chanel.

She completed her look with striking striped tights, a classic black Chanel handbag, and stylish toe-cap pumps.

Her caramel locks, elegantly styled in a half-up, half-down do, perfectly complemented her soft and dewy makeup, which featured warm brown eyeshadow and a honey-hued blush.

Among the illustrious attendees was Vin Diesel, known for his role in the “Fast and Furious” franchise.

Although the two have never shared the screen, they seem to have forged a friendship through the Hollywood party circuit.

The camaraderie was palpable as Penelope and Salma posed for a stunning group photo alongside fellow stars like Patricia Retta, Maria Bello, Jacqueline Bissett, and Geena Davis.

The sheer star power in that snapshot was undeniable.

Interestingly, not everyone in Hollywood was included in this glamorous gathering.

Meghan Markle, who once shared a close bond with Salma, did not receive an invitation.

This absence is particularly noteworthy given their previous collaborations, including a secret project for British Vogue's coveted September issue, where Salma spoke highly of the experience.

She expressed her honor in participating, noting that only she and the photographer Peter Lindbergh were privy to the details.

However, their friendship took a turn after Salma discovered Meghan's motives for seeking closer ties with billionaire businessman France-Henri Penel.

Feeling uncomfortable, Salma chose to distance herself from Meghan, leading to speculation about the nature of their relationship.

This shift comes in the wake of Meghan being labeled a hypocrite for her perceived contradictions in supporting women's rights.

Earlier this year, Meghan received an award from renowned feminist Gloria Steinem, celebrating her advocacy for women.

Yet, shortly after, she faced backlash over a significant pay gap within her own organization.

Critics pointed out that while Meghan champions equal pay and rights for women, her foundation exhibited a troubling disparity in salaries between male and female employees.

Recent reports revealed that Meghan's company, Archwell, demonstrated a notable gender pay gap among its top earners.

For instance, James Holt, the executive director, earned $81,500 in 2022, whereas senior strategic advisor Michael Stein made only $1,882, and co-executive director Shianna P received $74,233.

This discrepancy has not gone unnoticed, sparking outrage among social media users who called out Meghan for failing to practice what she preaches.

One critic highlighted the irony of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex advocating for equality while their actions suggest otherwise.

The glaring difference in salaries has raised eyebrows, especially considering the Duchess's vocal support for feminism and equal rights.

Observers are questioning whether Shianna's lower salary is due to her resemblance to Meghan, which some see as a potential threat.

As the luncheon unfolded, conversations swirled around not just the celebration of Penelope but also the complexities of Hollywood friendships and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in the public eye.

While stars mingled and enjoyed the festivities, the undercurrents of scrutiny regarding Meghan's actions lingered, reminding everyone that in the world of fame, appearances can often be deceiving.

The event served as a reminder of the tight-knit nature of Hollywood, where alliances can shift quickly, and the pressure to uphold one's image is ever-present.