SOTH 11.29

Oscar winner Michael Moore, the filmmaker who brought the plight of Flint, Michigan, to global attention in Roger & Me, will be celebrated at this year’s Hamptons Doc Fest. On Dec. 7, the Bay Street Theater will host a gala honoring Moore with the prestigious Pennebaker Career Achievement Award. The award will be presented by Regina K. Scully, founder of Artemis Rising Foundation, and Chris Hegedus, co-filmmaker and partner of the late D.A. Pennebaker. Moore’s 1989 debut film chronicled the devastating economic impact of General Motors’ plant closures in his hometown of Flint, where over 30,000 jobs were lost. The documentary not only earned critical acclaim but was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry in 2013 for its cultural significance. “One great movie can change your life, and powerful films can help change the world,” Moore has said. The Pennebaker Award, named after the documentary pioneer and Sag Harbor resident, has previously honored luminaries like Alex Gibney and Frederick Wiseman. The Hamptons Doc Fest runs December 5–11, showcasing exceptional documentaries, including the Art & Inspiration Award recipient Musica!

Pop icon Madonna had some sharp words for Hollywood producers trying to scale down her biopic. The 66-year-old star, who has a Bridgehampton estate, took to Instagram to share her frustrations: “After struggling for days in L.A., listening to producers and agents tell me why I couldn’t make my film… downsize-down scale-think smaller-they say.” The ”Material Girl” singer says she has spent four years working on the project, determined to properly shine a light on her unconventional life. “I guess I should be grateful,” she wrote. “It forces me to think outside the box. I cannot make this in the normal way. We all agreed we need to be even more fearless! Art = Survival,” she added. “We cannot shrink and make ourselves smaller.” She finished her rant by asking her followers: “Should I make the story of my life into a series or a feature film? Think before you answer!”

Chuck Scarborough, the enduring face of NBC 4 New York, is set to retire after over five decades at the anchor desk. His final newscast will air on Dec. 12, marking the end of a record-setting career as the longest-serving television news anchor in the New York market. Scarborough joined NBC 4 in 1974, anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts from Studio 6B at Rockefeller Center. “There is only one word: gratitude,” he said. “Our WNBC viewers welcomed me into their homes for more than 50 years.” During his tenure, Scarborough covered major events, from breaking international news to local crises. His coverage of Hurricane Sandy earned him a National Emmy, while his COVID-19 reporting garnered a prestigious Alfred duPont-Columbia University Award. Eric Lerner, NBC 4’s president, praised Scarborough as “the gold standard in American broadcast journalism.” Though stepping back from daily anchoring, Scarborough will continue contributing to special projects. “You only live going forward,” he reflected. With 36 local Emmy Awards and countless accolades, Scarborough’s legacy is unmatched. His career was celebrated earlier this year with the ceremonial lighting of the Empire State Building, alongside tributes on TODAY and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Though Scarborough resides in Connecticut with his wife, Ellen Ward Scarborough, he has spent the last 30-plus years retreating to the East End of Long Island — spending much of their time at their home in Southampton.

Alec Baldwin’s infamous Western movie Rust made its world premiere at the Camerimage Film Festival in Poland, dedicated to cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who tragically died in an on-set accident in 2021. Director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the incident, introduced the film, describing the completion of Rust as a way to honor Hutchins’ vision. Baldwin, an Amagansett resident, produced the film, which tells the story of a boy sentenced to death for an accidental shooting, with Baldwin portraying his estranged grandfather. Baldwin did not attend the premiere.

Former CNN primetime star and longtime Hamptons resident Chris Cuomo has been steadily rebuilding his life after a public fall from grace in 2021. Once one of cable news’ most prominent figures, Cuomo is now reflecting on his journey, describing his departure from CNN as “the most embarrassing and disheartening time in my life.” Speaking to People from his East Hampton home, Cuomo confessed, “I don’t like doing interviews,” but shared insights during the rare interview, saying, “Other than worry, regret and living in the past is very poisonous because you can’t change it.” His termination stemmed from his involvement in shaping his brother Andrew Cuomo’s defense during a sexual harassment scandal. “I never kept any secrets about what I was doing,” Cuomo insisted. “You don’t have to believe me.” Despite the controversy, Cuomo has found new footing as the host of CUOMO on NewsNation. Therapy, he said, has been instrumental in helping him navigate the turbulence. “You get up, you get over yourself, you get help,” Cuomo said. The journalist also spoke about his unwavering support for his family, particularly his brother, the former New York governor. “I’ll always help my family,” he declared, adding, “I knew it wouldn’t be a popular idea, but I don’t judge how I take care of my family through the lens of how other people feel about it.” Cuomo also addressed his new role at NewsNation, where his daily talk show resonates with independent-minded viewers. “It’s an opportunity to provide a service to critical-thinking independents,” he explained. Now, the 54-year-old is balancing his professional comeback with personal healing. “I love my kids. I love my family,” he said. “They’ve been my anchor.”

We Hear…

Jessica Seinfeld’s cookbook Not Too Sweet is out now — her friend, actress and fellow Hamptonite Naomi Watts, called it “the perfect gift, just in time for the holidays.” Husband Jerry Seinfeld also celebrated her “bulls-eye idea” in a post on Instagram.

The French Heritage Society (FHS) held its Celestial Ball on Nov. 15 at a private club in New York City and Hamptons residents Jean Shafiroff, a longtime board member of the FHS, Julia Haart and Elena Gibbs were in attendance. The ball celebrated the reopening of the Notre-Dame Cathedral. Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, an interior designer, and Hank Silver, an American carpenter, were honored for their roles in its restoration.

Sightings…

Bravo alum Ashlee White dined at Southampton’s 75 Main, owned by Zach Erdem, on Nov. 17.

Shinnecock Bay resident Bethenny Frankel caught Elf the Musical at its Broadway premiere, running into her fellow housewives from New Jersey, on Nov. 17.

Montauk resident Naomi Watts attended an intimate screening of the short film Marion at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York City on Nov. 22. Hosted by Sienna Miller, the event drew other guests like Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Eliot Sumner, Karen Duffy and Ann Dexter-Jones.