Some of the highest IQs in Manhattan gathered at the French Institute Alliance Française’s annual Trophée des Arts Gala, this year honoring the great minds of Jean-Bernard Levy and Philippe de Monte­bello. As Levy said, perfectly (as always), the night was about “celebrating the freedom of artists to create and find the public that appreciates their talents.” Guests gathered at The Plaza to raise funds to support FIAF’s educational and cultural programs.
Chairs Phyllis Collins, Sarah Frank, Doug Morris, and Lorenzo Weisman were joined by guests Jeff Zucker, Christine Cachot, Renaud and Christine Dutreil, Nathalie Kaplan, Stephanie LaCava, Kate Bouquard, Leah Penney, Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas, Kareen Rispal, Veronica Bulgari, Eric and Charlotte Mourlot, Marie-Noelle Pierce, and Bettina Zilkha. Grammy winner Ne-Yo topped the evening with his highlight performance that brought the intellectuals out of their chairs for some revelry that would make the French proud.