California Gov. Gavin Newsom was photographed mingling with several of Hollywood’s biggest names in Malibu on Friday night as the high-stakes battle over Paramount’s proposed merger continued.
Newsom was seen leaving the celebrity-favorite restaurant Nobu with actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and Tobey Maguire.
According to TMZ, the group dined with the governor at the famed Japanese restaurant, which De Niro co-owns.
De Niro has emerged as one of President Trump’s most outspoken celebrity opponents. During a podcast interview in February, he urged Americans to “resist, resist, resist.”
The actor has also applauded Newsom’s combative stance toward the president in social media posts. De Niro endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election.
The glamorous dinner unfolded as Paramount faces mounting uncertainty over whether it could leave California amid a legal dispute involving its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by 11 other state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit seeking to stop the transaction over antitrust concerns.
Paramount CEO David Ellison has warned that the company could relocate its studio operations outside the Golden State if the conflict remains unresolved. Such a move could put thousands of entertainment jobs at risk.
Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass are among the officials calling on the parties to negotiate a settlement.
The gathering also comes as speculation continues over Newsom’s possible interest in the 2028 presidential race. He has not declared a campaign.
A recent Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll showed Newsom receiving 14% support from Democrats surveyed about a hypothetical 2028 primary, trailing former Vice President Kamala Harris, who registered 17%.
