David Zaslav Hosts Star-Studded Dinner with Oprah Winfrey and Margot Robbie
Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav recently hosted a star-studded dinner at his Beverly Hills home. This gathering took place on a Wednesday night, just hours before Zaslav’s redeye flight to New York. The purpose of the trip was to review preliminary offers for the media conglomerate he has led since 2022.
Celebrity Guests at the Exclusive Dinner
The guest list featured a lineup of Hollywood heavyweights including:
- Oprah Winfrey
- Lorne Michaels
- Margot Robbie and Tom Ackerley
- Al Pacino
- Sandra Bullock
- Jonah Hill
- Bette Midler
- Kristen Wiig
- Bryan Lourd
- Nancy Meyers
In total, around 20 guests enjoyed an informal discussion about the film industry and upcoming projects at Warner Bros. Despite the serious nature of Zaslav’s business negotiations, the atmosphere remained light and enjoyable.
Upcoming Auction and Company Challenges
The dinner set the stage for a crucial moment for Warner Bros. Discovery. The company is facing an auction process, less than four years after the significant merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery, which was finalized in April 2022. This has generated uncertainty among employees at various divisions, including HBO/HBO Max, CNN, TNT, TBS, and several cable channels.
Expectations for the Auction Process
During the dinner, discussions about new projects remained front and center, with minimal focus on the sale process. However, sources indicated that Zaslav and his top executives aim to conclude this auction by Christmas, a timeline some consider ambitious.
Zaslav’s Commitments and Future Plans
Zaslav was noted for being a gracious host, actively engaging in conversations about the industry’s future. As the evening concluded, he prepared to leave for his flight, planning to catch some rest before awaiting bid submissions, expected at noon the following day.
The anticipated bidders for Warner Bros. Discovery include major companies like Paramount, Comcast, and Netflix. Details regarding the bids submitted remain unclear, as Warner Bros. Discovery representatives did not immediately provide comments.
