The Hollywood Reporter includes in its May 4 issue a 20-page special report on politics that "examines the complicated relationship between Hollywood and politics." It leads with a profile by contributing editor Tina Daunt of Obama fundraisers and power couple Ted Sarandos, the chief of content for Netflix, and Nicole Avant, the president's former ambassador to The Bahamas. "Sarandos is the man everyone in Hollywood wants a meeting with," says the trade. Included is what THR is calling "a guide to 20 of the biggest political players in Hollywood, including George Clooney, J.J. Abrams, Haim Saban and Ron Meyer."
"I want to start by thanking my dear friend, Ambassador Avant -- love, love saying that," the first lady remarked under twinkling white lights in the trees outside Sarandos and Avant's 1923 Monterey Colonial home, purchased for $5.41 million in December 2010 from fashion designer Max Azria. "She is a pretty phenomenal woman … , so steadfast. And Ted, what a smart man. You all have a beautiful family. You all have been just such terrific friends. I can't thank you enough for your steadfast support and love."
"Everyone comes out for them," says Irena Medavoy of Sarandos and Avant, who until December had a long-distance marriage because of her ambassadorship. "You're talking about two people who really switch on the lights. It's just so fantastic to have her back and to see them working together."