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Celebrating the future stars of Hollywood
High above Los Angeles, a celebration of emerging talents in show business and music took place on Thursday. This annual event, known for spotlighting the next big names, featured the likes of hitmaker Sabrina Carpenter, “SNL” breakout Marcello Hernández, and “Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink.
A night of glamour and networking
The rooftop of the Santa Monica Proper hotel was transformed into a chic, pink-themed lounge. Guests enjoyed champagne and Asian fusion hors d’oeuvres while mingling to the beats of Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar. The event was a melting pot of digital creators, TikTok stars, power agents, and more, all engaging in lively conversations.
Honoring breakthrough talents
Filmmaker Megan Park, known for her role in “The Sex Life of the American Teenager,” was honored with the Amazon MGM Studios Breakthrough award. She accepted the award alongside her leading lady, Maisy Stella, for their Sundance hit, “My Old Ass.” The film, a comedy about a young girl meeting an older version of herself, has been a significant milestone in Park’s career. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “This award marks a new chapter for me in writing and directing. It’s heartening to see more diverse roles and opportunities emerging.”
A personal touch
Marcello Hernández, celebrated for his comedic sketches about growing up in a Latino household, brought his mother as his guest. He shared a touching moment, saying, “When I started in comedy, my mom always said she wanted to be at my first red carpet event. I’m thrilled she could be here, enjoying the moment and wearing the outfit she chose. It’s a special night for us.”
Setting the tone
The evening began with a lively introduction from the event’s co-editor-in-chief, who playfully asked, “Is everyone having a brat summer?” This was a nod to the Charli XCX phenomenon that has taken over memes and Spotify playlists. The excitement continued as comedian Matt Friend took over as emcee.
Star-studded interactions
The event was a hotspot for celebrity interactions. Beauty YouTuber James Charles mingled with Addison Rae, “A Family Affair” star Joey King, Chandler Kinney, “Drag Race” contestant Kerri Colby, and “The White Lotus” actor Lukas Gage. A photo booth sponsored by Cash App was a popular attraction, drawing in actor Gavin Leatherwood, singer 4Batz, YouTuber Harry Jowsey, and “Theater Camp” star Owen Thiele. Even Toby Maguire made a low-key appearance, chatting with attendees near the DJ booth.
Words of wisdom
In a brief acceptance speech, Sabrina Carpenter encouraged the crowd to “believe in yourself” before making her exit, passing by trays of “Me Espresso” martinis, named after her hit song.
Dive deeper into the highlights
For those interested in exploring more about the featured talents and their works, here are some direct links to trailers and information pages:
Musical moments
For music enthusiasts, here are some Spotify links to the songs and albums mentioned:
This event was not just a celebration of talent but a testament to the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood. It highlighted the importance of recognizing and nurturing new voices, ensuring that the future of entertainment remains bright and diverse.
