Gavin Newsom Caught Dining with Hollywood Elite at Malibu’s Nobu

On a breezy Friday night in Malibu, Governor Gavin Newsom slipped into Nobu – the sleek Japanese‑Asian spot that, fun fact, is co‑owned by Robert De Niro. He wasn’t alone; the tables were buzzing with a handful of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.

Leonardo DiCaprio, ever the climate‑advocate, was perched beside Tobey Maguire, the former‑Spider‑Man star, while De Niro himself took a seat at the governor’s right. The crew apparently chatted over sushi and sashimi, occasionally laughing, and, if you watched closely, you could see the occasional glint of a phone camera flashing – the kind of paparazzi‑friendly vibe that feels almost staged, but somehow still genuine.

It’s worth noting that De Niro, besides being a part‑owner of the restaurant, has never shied away from politics. Remember his impassioned “resist, resist, resist” line on a February podcast? He’s also a vocal critic of the former president and an early backer of Kamala Harris back in 2024. So, seeing him side‑by‑side with Newsom feels like more than just a celebrity dinner; it’s a subtle nod to shared political leanings.

The timing, however, is uncanny. The evening unfolded while the Paramount‑Warner Bros. Discovery merger – a massive $110 billion deal – is still grinding through California courts. Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with a dozen other state attorneys general, filed an antitrust lawsuit aimed at blocking the takeover. Paramount’s chief, David Ellison, has hinted he might pull the studio out of the Golden State if a settlement can’t be reached, a move that could jeopardize thousands of jobs in the entertainment sector.

In response, both Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass have been publicly urging both parties to find common ground. Their dinner, critics say, might be a low‑key way to keep lines of communication open, though you could also read it as a strategic photo‑op.

And then there’s the ever‑persistent chatter about Newsom’s political future. Rumors of a 2028 presidential bid have been swirling for months. A recent Bowling Green State University/YouGov poll showed him at 14 % support among Democrats, trailing former Vice President Kamala Harris, who sits at 17 %. While he’s yet to announce any campaign, his presence at a star‑studded dinner certainly fuels the speculation.

All in all, the night at Nobu was a blend of glitz, political undercurrents, and a dash of California drama – the kind of scene that feels almost scripted, yet undeniably real.