On the first weekend of 2026, Cherry Lane Theatre in Manhattan’s West Village set the tone for a purpose-driven, community-led year ahead as it opened its famed red doors for Autonomy in Focus, a fundraiser in support of the New York Abortion Access Fund. “This is the perfect way to start off the New Year,” actor and event co-chair AnnaSophia Robb told Vogue. “With friends and community, talking about the things that really matter.”
On Saturday evening, the venue’s recently-opened eatery, Wild Cherry, quickly became packed with familiar faces. The mood felt akin to the first day back to school after the indulgent holiday break. Amidst extra-long embraces, throngs of martinis, and warm reunions, film producers and culture enthusiasts alike caught up about their New Year’s Eve and vacation recaps, and, of course, the films they watched.
The industry event was organized to highlight the New York Abortion Access Fund’s work—which extends all across the country. “It feels good that we’re here putting energy behind something that isn’t abstract or symbolic,” said Havana Rose Liu, who was also one of the evening’s co-chairs. “NYAAF does important work on the ground to support people nationwide every day—and we’re here to continue that action.”
NYAAF’s ethos—of accessibility, visibility, and solidarity—was evident in every corner of the intimate, ’70s-inspired restaurant. The swanky round bar, perfectly worn-in green leather booths, and chrome dinner tables were laden with tampons by Lola, One-Tablet Emergency Contraceptive Pills by Julie, and NYAAF pins that read “funding abortion = community care.” “Cherry Lane is an iconic space for activism and radical change. It makes for a perfect backdrop for us,” Chelsea Williams-Diggs, the organization’s executive director, told Vogue. “We believe in the power of community, and this space is a reminder that change doesn’t start with policy—it starts with culture.”
Once everyone had settled in, Katherine Romans and Charlie Traisman (founders of the female-led production company Madhouse Films and sponsors of the evening) invited the group of co-chairs to join them on the elevated portion of the restaurant. The actors—AnnaSophia Robb, Havana Rose Liu, Lola Tung, Ruby Jean Cruz, Louisa Jacobson, and Rachel Hilson—stood tightly, with soft smiles on their faces as they read NYAAF testimonials. They shared the stories of real people who have utilized the Fund; of those who have traveled across the country to receive the life-saving care the organization facilitates.
After the testimonials concluded and the barely-there music reached a crescendo again, the atmosphere gently shifted. The co-chairs mingled with many, balancing the severity of the issue with a lightness that made conversations about bodily autonomy feel not only appropriate, but encouraged, over cocktails and crispy fries. “It’s important to change the language so people feel less afraid to talk about it,” Cruz said. “The heart of the issue is about people having autonomy over their own bodies. To me, that’s something we should always talk about.”
And so they did, while reuniting with friends including Nimay Ndolo, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Ella Stiller, Rivkah Reyes, and Micaela Diamond. “We’ve spent the night surrounded by people who are just as passionate as we are about a topic that can be so scary at times,” said Tung. “But by being here all together, it becomes less intimidating and way more powerful.”
As the clock crept closer to midnight, guests slowly made their way out towards Commerce Street through the box office. Along the way, they snagged Cherry Lane Theatre and Madhouse Films merch and buzzed about returning to the historical landmark in mid-February for the upcoming show, You Got Older.
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