Brisk, but sunny – the winter Los Angeles weather couldn’t have been a more perfect for Pooph’s Critics Choice Awards Luxury Lounge presented by GBK Brand Bar and LA Smile.
The second-floor Rose Garden at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel (also known as the Pretty Woman Hotel overlooking Rodeo Drive, site of the famous Julia Roberts-Richard Gere film) was the place to be for nominees, presenters and VIPS on the Friday and Saturday leading into Sunday night’s show, hosted by Chelsea Handler.
With awards season kicking into high gear after the settlement of the actors and writers strikes, the two-day event also hosted nominees, presenters and winners from the previous weekend’s Golden Globes, along with those from the Emmy Awards, which had been rescheduled to January 15.
Brian Cox had achieved mythic status for his role as Logan Roy on HBO’s brilliant drama Succession, which ended its run last year but proceeded to pick up a boatload of golden trophies at the Critics Choice Awards and at the Emmys.
Cox was spotted checking out the lounge, which included more than $50,000 in luxury items, gifts and trips, including one from Sail Rock.
Angela Bassett, who was the very recent recipient of an honorary Academy Award was also making the rounds, as was Oscar winner Mira Sorvino.
Other guests included William Stanford Davis and Chris Perfetti from ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Josh Whitehouse and Ayesha Harris from ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’, and Hector Elizondo and Jason Grey-Stanford from ‘Monk’s Last Case’.
Also in attendance: Chris MacDonald and Karen Pittman from ‘The Morning Show,’ Scott Evans from the award-winning film, ‘Barbie’, Liza Colon Zayas from ‘The Bear’, along with Akbar Gbajabiamila, Bridget Everett, Carl Anthony Payne, Luenell Campbell, Deon Cole, Nika King, Armin Amiri, Sofia Sanchez, Shari Belafonte, Neil Ellice, Abby Ryder, Calah Lane and Michael Irby.
The scene was buzzing with celebrities catching up with friends, cuddling puppies, and enjoying music from DJ Adam of ADM Entertainment. Guests received items from POOPH, the best-selling pet odor eliminator on the market that is safe, non-toxic, fragrance-free and works instantly. Pooph also donated a year supply in the name of each celebrity to the pet shelter of choice. Each guest also received customized treatment plans with Dr. Shawn Davaie of LA Smile Specialists, a premium dental office in Beverly Hills that understands the importance of healthy and attractive smiles.
Among the other gifts: Michael Todd Beauty’s award-winning organically based skin care products and at-home beauty devices that ‘bring the spa home’ by Spa Sciences. Sailrock Resort, a premier luxury 5-star resort in Turks and Caicos Island presented a 5-night stay with a private villa,
Other brands being gifted included: El Cristiano’s ultra-premium tequila, Fog Crest Vineyard, the only black-female owned vineyard in Sonoma, a $1,000 gifts certificate for sandwiches by Ike’s Love and Sandwiches, vegan candles and body butter by Milena Los Angeles, luxury athleisure wear by Rear Ended “Frame the Booty”, fantastic products that support the body’s natural detoxification by Roots Brands, as well as Shikohin’s Japanese longevity skincare line for men. Guests also received Emeril Everyday products by Emeril Lagasse and items from the fun doggy lifestyle brand, Glow Pups. Other items included Rest Duvet’s Evercool Cooling Comforters, Price.com gift cards, and a hotel stay by La Casa del Camino Hotel in Laguna Beach, along with globally recognized travel essentials by Lo & Sons.
As part of his commitment to giving back, Gavin Keilly, CEO of GBK Brand Bar partnered with animal rescue organizations and the Collective Identity Mentoring, a grassroots mentoring program for black girls and gender-expansive youth. Since 2002, Keilly has secured over $10 million to more than 50 charities.
