Pictured, left to right, Margo Catsimatidis, John Catsimatidis, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and former New York Governor David Paterson. At the special screening of Marty Supreme on Manhattan's East Side. December 2025. © 77 WABC and James Flippin
(New York, NY) – Just days before Christmas, 77 WABC owner John Catsimatidis hosted a special screening of Marty Supreme at the Loews AMC Theatre in Kips Bay. The event celebrated the release of the film and his on-screen appearance alongside lead actors, Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kevin O’Leary. It also included a rarity in this day of political divides — John had invited New York Governor Kathy Hochul to attend, which she did — as did her Republican challenger, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
Hochul also made comments ahead of time, standing alongside Mr. Catsimatidis — in which she payfully vowed to defeat Blakeman at the ballot box — and on the ping pong table.
@77wabcradio_ Last night we celebrated the Marty Supreme screening 🎬 John Catsimatidis was in the movie, and things got competitive… even with politics! 🏓 When asked if she’d square up with Bruce Blakeman in ping pong, Gov. Kathy Hochul didn’t hesitate: ‘Any sport, anytime, anywhere. Who’s ready for a November race? 👀
Marty Supreme is based on a real life ping-pong legend, Marty Reisman, in 1950s New York. The film follows Marty Mauser, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he navigates New York’s immigrant underworld, a place shaped by survival, and ambition, and constant risk in pursuit of his dream. Marty’s self assurance becomes both his greatest asset and his most dangerous flaw, as he stops at nothing to achieve that dream. Director, Josh Safdie, unfolds the story through tense, fast paced scenes, creating an intimate portrait of ambition unchecked. The film ultimately reveals how Marty’s drive propels him to get close to his dream, while leaving collateral damage along the way. IMDB
John Catsimatidis appears in an unforgettable role as a Greek businessman, who’s son, Dion, is Marty’s close friend, as the two attempt to convince him to invest in a ping pong ball venture. Though brief, the performance carries an authenticity that recalls the old-world characters who once populated New York’s streets, lending credibility to the film’s era.
The evening drew a wide range of guests hosted by John and Margo Catsimatidis, including political leaders from across the aisle and prominent media figures. Among those in attendance were New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, and several 77 WABC personalities, including Rita Cosby, Greg Kelly, Dominic Carter, and Suzanne Miller, along with news anchor Noam Laden and WABC Radio News Editor-in-Chief and anchor, James Flippin.
Before the screening, Catsimatidis addressed the audience with characteristic humor. “(It’s) the movie of the season,” he said. “People keep asking me how I got the part. I told them they needed a New York character, and I guess I qualified.” He added that the experience was about enjoying the moment and reaffirmed Governor Hochul about his belief that New York will make more films than ever before.
Governor Hochul presented Catsimatidis with a New York State proclamation and praised the film and its message. “We’re here to see a story the rest of the world is talking about,” she said. “It’s about New York City, our ambition, our grit, and our resilience, and I cannot think of a greater person to represent our city and everything that it stands for, than this successful businessperson, radio personality, civic leader, and now a premier actor. I want to congratulate him on his debut and thank all of you for being here to celebrate great New York City story”.
