Sitting this one out. A group of Eternals superheroes were unable to attend Elle’s Women in Hollywood event on Tuesday, October 19 as the result of a possible exposure to COVID-19.
Angelina Jolie, 46, Salma Hayek, 55, and Gemma Chan, 38,were some of the film’s cast members who were honored at the event, even though they couldn’t be there in person.
A spokesperson for Disney told Variety on Tuesday, October 19, “Earlier today we were made aware of a possible exposure to COVID-19, and while all of our talent have tested negative, out of an abundance of caution, we are pivoting to virtual appearances rather than in-person events.”
Elle editor-in-chief Nina Garcia announced at the event that the women from theMarvel film were not in attendance for the event because they were “just exposed, so to keep everyone safe those superheroes are now in isolation,” she said. "Sorry, but that is the new reality."
Fellow cast member Lauren Ridloff and director Chloé Zhao were also absent from the event, which featured major stars including Hailey Bieber, Eva Longoria, and Kerry Washington.
Longoria, 46, delivered Jolie’s speech on her behalf, reading, “I am thinking tonight of all of the women who are bringing us through the pandemic. The scientists, doctors and nurses, and so many others who are showing us what strength and sacrifice are and whose contribution transcends borders.”
“One of the best things about being part of Eternals was working with such a global cast. Women who were born in countries where the struggle for equality and rights is even more challenging than it is here," Jolie's speech continued, per Longoria. "Women who know that what makes them different is what makes them beautiful and gives them even more to contribute.”
Hayek’s honor was accepted by Demi Moore, while Chan appeared virtually to deliver her own speech.
“I’m so sorry that I can’t be with you this evening, but I am so proud to be honored alongside such incredible women: Angelina, Salma and Lauren," the actress said. "All of you I admire greatly, not just for everything they’ve achieved in their careers, but for everything they stand for in life and their advocacy."
The Elle event comes on the heels of the Eternals premiere, which the cast attended on Monday, October 18. It is unclear whether or not the COVID-19 exposure happened before or after the premiere in Los Angeles.
Jolie walked the red carpet with five of her children, Maddox, 20, Zahara, 16, Shiloh, 15 and twins Knox and Vivienne, 13.
“I think they just find me funny,” the Maleficent actress said of her kiddos at the event. “I think someone said the other day, ‘Isn’t it amazing you can like fly a plane and do all the stuff at the U.N. and you can be in a Marvel movie, but you can’t make eggs?”
Eternals is set to hit the big screen on November 5.
