Hollywood's Awards Season: Excitement and Charitable Interactions

After several months of a difficult actors and writers strike, postponing award shows, excitement has finally been able to breakthrough with both the Critics Choice, Golden Globes and Emmys taking place in January.

“Seems as though Hollywood is back," enthused Gavin Keilly, founder of the GBK Brand Bar, who hosted POOPH’s Critics' Choice Luxury Lounge, presented by LA Smiles Dentistry, for numerous television and film nominees, winners, and presenters at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

"With COVID and the strike, actors, writers and directors came out in full force. We had over 50 individuals that were either nominated directly, or on a nominated show, as well as many other special guests. It is always fun to watch the talent interact with each other and see people they haven’t seen in a while. Angela Bassett, who just received her OSCAR from the governors recently, was incredibly excited to see her past co-star, Carl Anthony Payne."

Keilly admires love the ways celebrities interact with the charities present.

Brands like POOPH and CARE A2 were both offering a year supply of their products to worthwhile causes in the name of top talent. There were a few pet adoptions too! It was truly a fun two days."

"Care A2+ was proud to be a sponsor at the GBK event--it was terrific to mingle with celebrities like Mira Sorvino, Angela Bassett," said director Kerry Hyland. "Everyone was fascinated in hearing our story and was pleased that Australia’s leading infant formula is contributing to help meet the shortages in the United States and support American families at this critical time."

Photo byBridget Everett with Care A2+

Care’s first shipment of formula in 2023 went to the Delaware Food Bank and military families. This year, they will be premiering on Amazon’s platform and a number of big box stores.

This year’s lounge included over $50,000 in the hottest gifts, trips, and luxury items. Some of the attending guests included Emmy & Critics' Choice winners, nominees, and presenters such as Brian Cox from award winning show, "Succession."

As part of his commitment to giving back, Keilly partnered with animal rescue organizations, including Angel City Pit Bulls, and Paws for Life K9 Rescue. To day, he has secured over $10 million to over 50 charities since 2002.

The Collective Identity Mentoring, a grassroots mentoring program for black girls and gender-expansive youth, were one of the many companies participating at the gifting suite.

"The Collective Identity is off to a phenomenal start this year! In addition to our presence at the luxury suite, we are thrilled to announce that we were a featured segment on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' yesterday," enthused Nicole Lynn, founder, president, and executive director.

"The interview captured the essence of our mission and journey; I invite your readers to check out our segment on YouTube by clicking here," Lynn added.

Chris MacDonald, Karen Pittman from Apple's "Morning Show," Scott Evans from the award-winning film, "Barbie," Liza Colon Zayas from "The Bear," were among the many celebrities in attendance.

ROOT Brands co-founder Clayton Thomas commented on the experience, “At the Critics Choice Awards Rahm Roast Coffee was brewing for celebrities to help introduce them to mytotoxin-free coffee and a nice pick-up with Zero-In to focus on the rest of their days," he said.

ROOT supports the body’s natural detoxification. "It was a perfect blend of introduction to the celebrities' ability to use The ROOT Brand's patented biohacking products.”

Other brands gifting celebrities was Sailrock Resort, a luxury 5-star resort in Turks and Caicos Island which presented a 5-night stay with a private villa; $1000 Certificate of sandwiches by Ike's Love and Sandwiches, visually stunning vegan candles and body butter by Milena Los Angeles and luxury athleisure wear by Rear Ended “Frame the Booty.”

Photo byBrian Cox, Succession at Sailrock, Turks & Caicos