The Source Magazine was on the scene at the star-studded New York premiere of Fox Searchlight’s “Black Nativity” at the historic Apollo Theater. From the film: Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Luke James, Grace Gibson, Tyrese, Jacob Latimore, Nas, Rotimi, Vondie Curtis-Hall, director Kasi Lemmons, Producers Bishop T.D. Jakes, Sting & Trudie Styler, Celine Rattray and William Horberg, were all in attendance.

Other celebrities who came out to show their support included “Best Man Holiday,” director Malcolm D. Lee and his son, Antonio Banderas & Melanie Griffith, dancer Marija Abney, Zendaya, Courtney Vance, choreographers Obediah Wright and Judine Somerville, Al Thompson, Antonique Smith,  Keenyah Hill, Eric West, Chef Roble, Justin Davis, Aaron Ross, Lynn Whitfield, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Kangol Kid.

You can check out our exclusive video from the red carpet below:

Singer Luke James said he got involved because, “my agent called me, he knew I wanted to act, he sent me the script, I auditioned and they bought it, and so therefore I was able to be in such an amazing movie!”

What was it like working with Director Kasi Lemmons?

Jennifer Hudson: I just love her approach as a director, it’s just so original and so unique. In this case, we literally followed her vision blindly and once I saw the film, I was like “Wow! I get it,” because it’s nothing you can explain, it’s something you have to trust completely.

Luke James: Awesome, she’s so warm,  I was very nervous, won’t lie…this is my debut in a feature film and working with such a director, she’s amazing. Felt like family.

Grace Gibson: I love Kasi, she is one of the people that I love the most in this world so getting work with someone that I am so close with and have so much trust in, was an utter pleasure.

The after-party continued at Chef and restaurant owner Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster. The evening featured the performance of a live gospel chorus.

“Black Nativity” opens nationwide on Wednesday, November 27, 2013.