The star-studded premiere of Universal Pictures’ Cinderella Man at Loews Lincoln Square packed a real punch! The drama/action flick, directed by Ron Howard, is based on the true story of retired heavyweight boxer James Braddock (played by Russell Crowe), who returned to the ring after being hit hard by the Depression. Driven by the need to feed his family, the “Cinderella Man” folk hero embarked on a phenomenal winning streak, culminating in the 1935 career-making match against then-Heavyweight Champion of the World Max Baer (played by Craig Bierko), famous and feared for his lethal reputation in the ring (historically, Baer’s punch killed fighter Frankie Campbell in 1930). Renée Zellweger, who delivers a moving portrayal as Braddock’s wife, attended the premiere, along with co-stars Paul Giamatti, Bierko, and Crowe (who just days later was arrested for striking a Mercer Hotel concierge with a phone when he couldn’t get an outside line to call Aussie singer/wife, Danielle Spencer). Also in the mix: Topher Grace, Jennifer Connelly, Anne Hathaway, and Lords of Dogtown hunk Emile Hirsch.

Guests entering the Tent at Lincoln Center for the after-party stepped into a 30s-style tableau, complete with paper boys, shoe shiners, boxing-glove ice sculptures, a vintage fight-night marquee, and seating inside a roped-off center ring.