Diane von Furstenberg’s Oscar Lunch with Ava DuVernay, Donna Langley

As Dove Cameron prepared to sing a selection of standards at Diane von Furstenberg’s perennial celebration of the year’s female Oscar nominees, the actor and songstress got a case of the butterflies listening to the legendary designer list off the names in attendance.

“It sounds a little obvious, but as a fan of strong women and as someone who attempts to exemplify what it means to be a healed, whole, fighting woman, this is a room that is highly inspiring to me,” Cameron told Variety after she wrapped up her rendition of Etta James classic “At Last” and an original single of her forthcoming album, “Breaks Open.”

“These are some of my icons,” Cameron said, awed at the idea of sharing space with legends like von Furstenberg, as well as breakthrough talents like “The Substance’s” Coralie Fargeat. “I came to pursue a job in the industry because I was so inspired by this magical, mysterious process of creating film. And I’m particularly inspired by the women who create film – the cinematographers, the directors, the writers, everybody behind wardrobe, hair and makeup. Women make this industry.”

That sentiment largely sums up the theme of the luncheon, which von Furstenberg has held at her home in Beverly Hills since 2014. This year, she had Donna Langley, chairman of NBCUniversal entertainment & studios, and filmmakers Ava DuVernay and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy as her co-hosts – describing the trio as “formidable, bad-ass women, who are my friends, who make shit happen.” As von Furstenberg told the assembled contenders – ranging from “Dune: Part Two” producer Tanya Lapointe (a first-time nominee) to “The Six Triple Eight” songwriter Diane Warren (nominated a 16th time): “Today is about recognizing each other and connecting.”

DuVernay shared a similar sentiment, recounting how awed she was the first time von Furstenberg invited her to be a guest. Beyond the stunning property, the “Selma” and “Origin” director immediately recognized that the company she’d be communing with was second to none.

“There’s a special joy and a special happiness when you’re around people who feel like family, like community. There’s something a little more connected when you can look across and see a sister,” DuVernay said. “So often we are in spaces where it’s hard to find each other or there’s only one or two of us, so moments like this are so rare, and it needs to be deliberate and intentional.”

Langley concurred, saying she’d also had the great honor and privilege of attending the event over the years, “And it’s really kind of amazing to think that it didn’t used to exist. And what Ava was saying about DvF is true. Her generosity of spirit, her positivity that she puts out into the world, her kindness is really unparalleled. … She’s a great inspiration to me.”

Taking her turn at the mic, Obaid-Chinoy — a two-time Oscar winner and director of the definitive documentary “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge” — offered some words of advice to this year’s nominees.

“It’s a week that goes by so quickly, and it’s like a whiplash every single day,” Obaid-Chinoy said. “For many of us women, we find ourselves in spaces that we didn’t know that we could exist in. We find ourselves in spaces where we’ve had to nudge things out and to make space for ourselves, so let’s take a minute to recognize that — that we are here and that it has taken a minute to get here. … As we get to the finish line, whether we make it out with a statue or not, it is a week about celebrating who we are and the work that we have done.”

After her co-host’s remarks, von Furstenberg shared some parting words – or three wishes, to be exact. On New Year’s Eve (her birthday) she’d written “strength, kindness and agility” in her diary. “Don’t forget about agility,” von Furstenberg implored. “The world is so crazy right now that we really need agility. Pack light and be ready for anything. Fasten your seat belt when you need to fasten it. And remember, to be ‘In Charge’ [a nod to her platform focused on women’s empowerment] is a commitment to yourself. And once you are in charge, you can also practice the power of kindness.”

Scroll on for a look inside the intimate event, with a menu curated by Chef and author Jane Coxwell, cakes by Alana Jones-Mann (decorated in DVF archival prints) and florals by Yasmine Mei: