In a collision of Hollywood glamour and global media power, Hugh Jackman took center stage in early March 2026 to celebrate a milestone for one of the world’s most influential figures. The occasion was the 95th birthday of Rupert Murdoch, the Australian-born media tycoon whose empire has shaped political and cultural landscapes for decades. Held at the iconic Grill in Midtown Manhattan, the black-tie affair was a testament to Murdoch’s enduring reach, drawing a guest list that spanned the upper echelons of politics, sports, and entertainment. For Jackman, the performance was more than just a gig; it was a tribute to a long-standing friendship, delivered with the high-wattage charisma that has made him a global icon.
A Night at The Grill: Broadway Meets Midtown
The celebration, which took place on Saturday, March 7, 2026—just days ahead of Murdoch’s actual birthday on March 11—was a masterclass in understated opulence. The Grill, located in the historic Seagram Building, provided a sophisticated, “Mad Men”-esque backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Murdoch arrived with his wife, Elena Zhukova, whom he married in 2024, and was joined by his son and successor, Lachlan Murdoch. The atmosphere was described by attendees as “electric yet intimate,” as some of the most powerful people in the world gathered to toast a man Murdoch himself described in his speech as someone who is “looking to the future.”
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Jackman’s musical set. Eschewing the traditional party band format, the “Wolverine” star opted for a cabaret-style performance that leaned heavily into his musical theater roots. Sources at the event noted that the actor seemed in peak form, effortlessly commanding the room with a selection of songs that balanced nostalgia with high-energy showmanship. It was a performance that bridged the gap between his blockbuster film career and his storied history on the Broadway stage, reminding the room why he remains one of the industry’s most versatile entertainers.
From Showman to Sinatra: The Setlist
Jackman’s setlist was a curated journey through his most beloved roles and classic standards. He opened with a high-energy medley from The Greatest Showman, the 2017 film that cemented his status as a modern-day P.T. Barnum. The choice was fitting for an event honoring a man who has built his own global spectacle. He then shifted gears into a “classy, Rat Pack” vibe, delivering smooth renditions of Frank Sinatra staples like “Fly Me to the Moon” and “New York, New York,” the latter of which served as a stirring anthem for the Manhattan-based crowd.
The emotional peak of the performance came with the finale: a soulful rendition of Peter Allen’s “I Still Call Australia Home.” The song served as a poignant nod to the shared heritage of the performer and the guest of honor. Jackman reportedly paused during the performance to personally thank Murdoch for his support of his career over the years, a gesture that underscored the deep, personal nature of their connection. As the final notes rang out, the room—filled with figures who rarely find common ground—was united in a standing ovation for their fellow countryman.
A Guest List of Titans: Politics and Power
While Jackman provided the entertainment, the crowd provided the clout. The guest list was a “Who’s Who” of conservative politics and global business. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were prominent fixtures, with reports indicating that Ivanka was seen “cheering Jackman on” with particular enthusiasm. The political contingent was further bolstered by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, former US House Speaker Paul Ryan, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. Notably absent were Murdoch’s other children—James, Elisabeth, and Prudence—whose ongoing legal disputes over the family trust provided a silent, dramatic undercurrent to the evening’s festivities.
The world of sports and media was also well-represented. Attendees included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, and Daily Mail owner Lord Rothermere, who was seen “beaming” despite recent business setbacks in the UK. Even those who couldn’t attend in person made their presence felt; US President Donald Trump sent a recorded video message, hailing Murdoch as a “legendary” and “one of a kind” figure who had “changed the world.” The video served as a reminder of the intricate, often debated ties between Murdoch’s media empire and the highest offices of power.
Friendship Over Politics: The Jackman Defense
As images of the performance began to circulate online, the event sparked a familiar debate regarding Jackman’s social circle. The actor has long faced scrutiny for his friendships with polarizing figures like the Trumps and Murdochs. However, Jackman has been consistent in his stance, famously telling Variety in 2018: “I’ve known those guys for 15 years… and we don’t talk politics at birthday parties.” For Jackman, these relationships are rooted in a “family situation” that predates the current political climate—a connection forged through mutual friends like Nicole Kidman and Wendi Deng.
In the eyes of his supporters, Jackman’s performance was simply a professional and personal courtesy to a long-time friend. To his critics, it was a “disappointing” alignment with a media mogul whose outlets have been central to political division. Regardless of the controversy, the night at The Grill served as a vivid illustration of the “New York elite” at their most concentrated. As Murdoch enters his 96th year, the evening proved that while the world around him continues to change at a dizzying pace, his ability to gather a room full of titans—and have a Hollywood superstar sing for his supper—remains entirely undiminished.
