LOS ANGELES – October 31, 2026 -- Filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld will host the Children's Institute (CII) 120th Anniversary Cape & Gown Gala on Sunday, November 8, in Beverly Hills, with John Mayer performing and Jamie Lee Curtis receiving a new award.
Jamie Lee Curtis receives the inaugural Reiner award
Curtis will accept the first Michele & Rob Reiner Champion for Change Award, presented by Jake Reiner. Seven-time Grammy winner John Mayer will perform, and comedian and author Chelsea Handler will also appear.
Sonnenfeld introduced Rob Reiner to Michele in 1988
CII president and CEO Martine Singer, Michele Reiner's sister, said Sonnenfeld introduced Rob to Michele in 1988 and stayed close to the couple with his wife Susan. Her pitch for him as host was short: "Also, he's hilarious."
Sonnenfeld, a DGA and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, directed Get Shorty, The Addams Family and the first three Men in Black films. He was also cinematographer on two Rob Reiner films, When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Misery (1990).
CII serves about 30,000 children and families a year
Founded in 1906, Children's Institute provides early childhood education, mental health services and whole-family support in Los Angeles. Gala proceeds will fund its work helping children and families heal from trauma, succeed in school, and build pathways to lifelong health and economic mobility.
The gala is a closed press event. Getty Images will capture photos and video, which media outlets can request starting Monday morning, November 9.