Julia Roberts, Sean Penn host screening of Oscar hopeful ‘Manas’

Sean Penn, Julia Roberts, and John and Nancy Ross teamed up to host a screening of Marianna Brennand’s debut Oscar-worthy film, Manas.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, the celebrities were spotted together in Los Angeles, exchanging quips before presenting in front of the audience ahead of the screening of the new film.

“I am so excited for what’s about to happen to everyone in this room because it happened to me, and it will change you,” Roberts said as she began hosting.

“This movie is life-affirming in such a sad and beautiful and magical way,” she added.

Echoing her sentiment, Penn recalled his first meeting with Brennand: “At the Cannes Film Festival this year, there was a Kering Foundation dinner, and a woman came up to the stage to accept the Emerging Talent Award. She gave a speech, and the authenticity of this person was the kind of power that could only make a great film.”

When Brennand had the chance to speak, she began by extending her gratitude to the hosts.

“Thank you, Sean, for seeing us, for recognising the power of this story, and for speaking out… And Julia, thank you for empowering us with your presence here today,” she said. “You both are immensely amplifying our voices.”

The film, which is in the running to be Brazil’s Oscar submission, was introduced by Roberts and Penn, with Penn also serving as an executive producer. After the screening, a Q&A was held with director, writer, and producer Brennand, alongside the film’s star, Dira Paes.

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