Kurt Russell, Mark Wahlberg & Kate Hudson attend #NOLA Premiere of ‘Deepwater Horizon’ [PHOTOS]

Written by | Ray Cornelius

I had the distinct honor and privilege of accompanying my sister in media, Xaviera Bryant of Ice Cream Conversations, to the New Orleans premiere of the new movie “Deepwater Horizon.” The private screening took place on Monday, September 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Orpheum Theater.

Both Xaviera and I were flown from Atlanta to New Orleans and stayed at the plush Ritz Carlton Hotel located on Canal Street and in the historic French Quarter district.  The evening began with a lavish “black carpet” that was housed in a huge white tent just outside of the Orpheum Theater. Part of our media coverage included an opportunity to photograph on the carpet and partake in the fanbox.

“Deepwater Horizon” recounts the last 12 hours that led up to the horrific explosion of the offshore drilling rig (Deepwater Horizon) on April 20, 2010. It created the worst oil spill in U.S. history and killed 11 crew members. The resulting fire could not be extinguished and Deepwater Horizon sank two days later on April 22. However, the well at the seabed continued gushing oil into the ocean and was not capped until July 15. Needless to say, it created an environmental disaster and affected many of the those living along the region’s coastline as well it’s marine and wild life.

A number of film’s stars were in attendance to celebrate last night’s debut including Mark Wahlberg, who portrays Mike Williams, one of Deepwater Horizon’s real survivors. Screen legend Kurt Russell was also in attendance along with his daughter Kate Hudson, who portrays Mike Williams’ wife. The beautiful Gina Rodriguez was also spotted on the carpet along with rising child star Stella Allen, who portrays Mike Williams’ daughter. Other actors in attendance included Rob Steinberg, Brad Leland and country music star Trace Adkins. The film’s director Peter Berg was also present as well as musical superstar Gary Clark Jr., who composed the song, “Take Me Down” for the film.

Check out a featurette below + more photos from the “black carpet” premiere:

Mark Wahlberg 

Kate Hudson

Mike Williams 

Rob Steinberg with his wife Patrice Jones 

NBA star Caron Butler sporting a “Deepwater Horizon” Blazer

Stella Allen with her parents

“Extra” correspondent A.J. Calloway gearing up for black carpet interviews

Gina Rodriquez 

Gary Clark Jr. with his date

Brad Leland

Kate Hudson talking to “Access Hollywood”

Gina Rodriquez sharing a moment with Stella Allen on the black carpet

Ray Cornelius with Xaviera Bryant

“Deepwater Horizon” opens in theaters September 30th

Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com