Milk, Gus Van Sant's new biopic of Harvey Milk, the country's first openly gay big-time politician, touched a nerve among the star-studded crowd (which included cast members Sean Penn, James Franco, and Emile Hirsch) at last night's Cinema Society and Details screening. After the closing credits, Narciso Rodriguez could be found drying his eyes—"weeping," he explained between dabs. Also gushing on the way out was Marc Jacobs. "Amazing!" he said.

Following hot on the heels of California's controversial Proposition 8, the movie (which is set in the 1970's) felt timelier than ever. "The theme of the film is to speak your mind, to not be afraid—or even if you're afraid, speak it anyway," said Josh Brolin, who plays Milk's assassin. The actor, who seems to be everywhere these days, defended his villainous turn. "I was the meanie. But I think it's an integral part of the story."

After pulling themselves together, guests headed up to the Bowery Hotel for the after-party. The mood lightened, the dance floor saw some action, and Milk screenwriter Dustin Lance Black even told us to keep an eye out for mainstream gay comedies. "I've heard that there are some in the pipeline, actually—with big stars," he confided. No surprise, really, he added. "I mean, gay people are funny!"

— Darrell Hartman