Newcomer Logan Lerman received high praise from some older peers at a private screening of his new film, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.” According to The Hollywood Reporterm, the upcoming Stephen Chbosky-written and directed film was at the center of attention during a gorgeous screening event thrown at the home of Donna and Gabby Karan in East Hampton, New York.

The event was organized by the Cinema Society and co-sponsored by The Hollywood Reporter and the Samsung Galaxy S III. Celebrity attendees included Howard and Beth Stern; Brooke Shields and Chris Henchy; Padma Lakshmi; Katie Couric and John Molner; Gena Gershon; Giada de Laurentiis and David Wain. Some of music’s powerhouses like Sir Paul McCartney, Barbara Streisand, Russell Simmons, Lou Reed, and Barry Manilow attended as well.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Logan Lerman, who reached deep to bring to life the wide-eyed naivety, surprising insight and secret pain of the film’s 15-year old protagonist Charlie, was on hand and spoke before the screening. But, the newcomer was too nervous to watch the completed film, opting instead of avoid the projection and emerge from the house once the viewing was complete. Lerman’s talents were championed by all – McCartney told Lerman his performance was “brilliant,” and was joined in this sentiment by many other attendees.

The regular public will have a chance to view “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” on September 21st in limited theaters.