SOTH 12.13

There was more foot traffic than usual this time of year in Sag Harbor over the last week, as the Hamptons Doc Fest was held for the 17th year in a row. From Dec. 5-11, moviemakers and moviegoers set out to attend screenings of the 32 documentary films, both at the Sag Harbor Cinema and the Bay Street Theater. Hamptons Doc Fest founder Jacqui Lofaro reflected on the festival’s beginnings and its impressive evolution in an interview with “South o’ the Highway.” “When the festival started 17 years ago, we screened four films in one day. Now, we feature 32 films over seven days. The festival has grown, along with our audiences. More and more people love documentary films,” Lofaro said. Documentaries screened at the seven-day festival included Merchant and Ivory, the opening film, The Bones, the closing film, and Musica!, which won the HDF Art & Inspiration Award. Others included Daughters, Zurawski v. Texas, Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics, Union, The Battle for Laikipia, Birdfeeder, Mistress Dispeller, and more. Sag Harbor attracted star power throughout the week, with Michael Moore being honored at a gala with the Pennebaker Career Achievement Award on Dec. 7, celebrating his work as a director, producer and writer/author. Model and Bridgehampton resident Christie Brinkley also stopped by Sag Harbor Cinema one day prior to join Jule Campbell for a Q&A following a screening of her film, Beyond the Gaze: Jule Campbell’s Swimsuit Issue. Daughters directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae won the Breakthrough Director Award, a new award this year. Lofaro said over the years she’s seen an increase in the number of international film submissions, and this year especially saw a rise in political themes. “There were an above-average number of political documentaries…to be expected in a presidential election year,” Lofaro added. Lofaro said that her festival has become a “well-oiled and tested machine that meets every challenge to run a smooth, professional program.” Having screenings at both theaters just one block apart makes it “super easy for people to see a film,” and they would even be able to catch all 32 in the seven days if they so pleased. 

Days after praising New York City for its “truly unmatched” food scene and sharing photos of her favorite recent meals at restaurants in the Big Apple, Amagansett resident Gwyneth Paltrow jetted off to Paris for a special family occasion: witnessing her daughter Apple, 20, debut at the Le Bal des Debutantes at the Hotel Shangri-La, where plenty of A-list stars’ children have gone before her. Apple stunned in a strapless blue Valentino gown, while the GOOP founder also wowed in a Valentino polka dot dress.  Joining Paltrow and Apple were Paltrow’s ex-husband Chris Martin, their son, Moses Martin, and Paltrow’s mother, Blythe Danner. Apple reportedly shared a sweet dance with her father, and Paltrow later called it a “special long weekend in Paris” on Instagram. Other celebrity children who’ve reportedly attended the famous debutante ball are Lily Collins, Margaret Qualley, and Ava Phillipe.

Sybil and David Yurman opened their sprawling Amagansett home to The New York Times in a recent profile. Purchasing the six-bedroom, 10,000-square-foot home in 2008, the married couple showed off the renovations they’ve done over the years. Scattered throughout the interior are sculptures made by David, who was a bronze sculptor before he and Sybil launched their luxury jewelry company. The property includes a studio, where David welds and Sybil paints. The couple, both 82, met back in 1968. “It’s important to keep having conversations, even after all these years of marriage,” Sybil shared while discussing their successful marriage and life as business partners.

The Hamptons’ very own Colin Jost can add talk show host to his resume. The funnyman is hosting the new game show Pop Culture Jeopardy!, which premiered on Dec. 4. The Saturday Night Live performer, who owns homes in Montauk and Amagansett, found himself in the hot seat during an appearance on Today. Savannah Guthrie played a video of Jost’s wife, Scarlett Johansson, asking about the origin country of her last name. The comedian confidently answered “Denmark” but was stunned to learn the correct answer was Sweden. He quipped that his answer explained where “they” came from, without specifying who “they” are. All in all, Jost joked that he felt “set up,” hinting that Johansson may have had a hand in the question. The Black Widow actress apparently told Guthrie he’d never get it right.”

Two crooners who call the Hamptons home have some reasons to celebrate. Jon Bon Jovi’s band recently hit the top spot on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart, thanks to Pitbull’s “Now or Never,” which features their popular hit “It’s My Life.” It’s the first time Bon Jovi has found themselves on a Dance/Electronic chart. Meanwhile, East Hampton resident Billy Joel announced he’ll be heading nearby, to East Rutherford, New Jersey, to join the stage with Stevie Nicks, marking their only tristate appearance together on Aug. 8, 2025. The show is part of Joel’s One Night Only series that features Sting and Nicks on select nights. 

Sightings…

Actress Julianne Moore, who owns in Montauk, was spotted shopping at The Row in Manhattan, founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, on Dec. 4. 

Summer House star Carl Radke, who spends each summer being followed by cameras in the Hamptons, attended the Christmas Tree Lighting at Rockefeller Center on Dec. 4.  

Southampton resident Brooke Shields recently stepped out to see Wicked in New York City, and even bumped into stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. “It really is as good as everyone says!! Blown away!” Shields captioned a photo of her and Grande on Instagram.