Illuminating Hollywood's Legal and Creative Frontiers

Gathering of Influential Figures at the Annual Power of Law Event

Entertainment industry luminaries, featuring celebrated director Paul Feig and distinguished attorney Patricia L. Glaser, recently convened at Variety's Power of Law breakfast. This event, proudly presented by City National Bank, drew attendees to Los Angeles for engaging discussions with leading dealmakers and litigators on the most pressing issues within Hollywood.

Insights from a Legal Titan: Patricia L. Glaser on Los Angeles and Social Media

During the breakfast, Patricia L. Glaser, whom City National Bank's Steven Shapiro lauded as a "pillar of L.A.'s philanthropic world," engaged in a compelling dialogue with Variety's Co-Editor-in-Chief, Cynthia Littleton. Their conversation delved into various topics, including concerns about the city of Los Angeles and the profound influence of social media on legal proceedings.

The Meritocracy of Los Angeles and the Double-Edged Sword of Social Media

Glaser articulated her belief in Los Angeles as a meritocracy, stating, "It doesn't matter who your family is, it doesn't matter what club you belong to… If you're perceived as good, you can be hugely successful here." She also underscored the absence of adequate regulations for social media, which she described as the "ultimate smear machine." Glaser emphasized, "What people say on social media is not penalized enough. It's a constant, not just a legal battle, [but] a PR battle, and it shouldn't be that way."

Advocacy for the L.A. Olympics Chief: A Call for Unified Support

The discussion also touched upon entertainment executive Casey Wasserman, who chairs the Los Angeles Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Glaser voiced strong support for Wasserman, asserting, "For the L.A. Olympics to be successful, we all need to support Casey. I think he's a terrific executive. I think he knows a tremendous number of people, and he's pulling things together, and I think he deserves our support."

Honoring Legal Excellence: Patricia L. Glaser's Distinguished Recognition

Patricia L. Glaser, a partner at Glaser Weil and head of its litigation department, received the prestigious Variety 2026 Power of Law Award at the event. This honor acknowledges her as one of the nation's most influential trial attorneys, celebrated for her pivotal role in high-stakes cases involving major studios, global brands, financial institutions, high-profile talent, entertainment executives, and production companies. Her achievements were also highlighted in Variety's 2026 Legal Impact Report.

Filmmaker Paul Feig's Vision: Entertainment and Industry Evolution

Filmmaker Paul Feig delivered the keynote address, engaging in a conversation with Variety's Senior Entertainment Writer Matt Donnelly. Feig shared insights into his box office successes, his dedication to narrating women's stories, and other aspects of his career. He articulated his filmmaking philosophy, stating, "To me, the mission of all filmmakers of all Hollywood has to be, first and foremost, to entertain the audience." He reflected on the immense success of his film "The Housemaid," which has grossed over $395 million globally, attributing its triumph partly to Lionsgate's robust marketing efforts. Feig added, "Giving people a good time makes people keep going to the movies."

Navigating the Shifting Tides of Hollywood Deals

Feig's observations on Oscar-season films sometimes feeling "like homework" resonated widely, prompting discussions among online commentators. He remarked on awards contenders, saying, "They're always really good, but it's never like 'I can't wait to watch it.'" Addressing the current state of the industry, Feig speculated on the future of Hollywood's mega-deals, suggesting their era might be drawing to a close. He explained that such deals are likely "gone," unless an individual consistently produces exceptionally high-value content. He concluded that sustained success now requires either a high volume of quality work or a few truly outstanding projects, but these may not generate the colossal financial returns seen in past mega-deals.