It was all glitzy glamour and sparkling moments despite the rain this past weekend at GBK Brand Bar’s famed annual Pre-Oscars Celebrity Luxury Lounge at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel in West Hollywood.
Celebrity guests made their way to the venue for the big Hollywood moment and included Oscar winner Viola Davis, Kevin Pollack, Adina Porter, Shea Whigham, Stephen Root, Anna Sophia Robb, Harry Shum, Jr., Nika King, Matthew Von Der Ahe, Emily Swallow, Meta World Peace, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Tom Hollander, Violet & Madeleine McGraw, Jesse Metcalf, Drag Race stars Bob the Drag Queen & Monet Exchange, Keith David, Hailie Sahar, Tony winner Anika Noni Rose, current Oscar nominees SON LUX, Anne Alvergue, Sara Dosa, Ruben Ostlund, Christian Minkler, and more.
“We’ve been doing this for over 20 years and this Oscars was certainly unique because of the rain. We were supposed to be on the rooftop, and we had to improvise. Luckily, we have a good relationship with the hotel, because we have a gift shop here,” said GBK CEO, Gavin Keilly. “GBK Brand Bar here is a store that gives our brands that are participating in our gift lounge not only an opportunity to get the celebrities, but also to actually sell their products, which is great.”
Euphoria star Nika King receives El Cristiano Tequila at the GBK Brand Bar Pre-Oscar’s Lounge (Will Roberts)
Going on he explained, “This event in particular is always special. Celebrities always come through and support the brands of course because there are great gifts. But they come to support the small to medium sized businesses, too. And that’s really a positive experience.”
Gifting on showcase for the stars were lighting by GE Lighting, a Savant company, MY AVANA hair strand analysis kit, Netvue bird feeder cam, custom Higher Calling Bracelets, El Cristiano delicious & additive-free tequila and handcrafted gifts by The Artisan Group. Some of the other amazing gifts offered to the celebrities in attendance included food & bev items by Albanese World’s Best Gummies, CORE® Foods, California Caviar Company, Don’t Be Salty, Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, Hibachi House LA, Lorenzi Estate Vineyards & Winery, Debate Wine, AXR Napa Valley, SOULTOX and Cardinal de Four Amagnac, 21 Rebellion. Amazing apparel, accessories & jewelry such as BADAZZ GLAZZ sunglasses By Joe Pesci, The Almighty Pineapple gold & agate pendants, Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry, and Rear Ended “Frame the Booty”. Homegood & personal care gifts were a hit and included Schwank Grills, Remington® personal care items, RENPHO USA massage and care items, POWER XL air fryer, Emeril Lagasse’s cookware set and Kahuna massage chair. Other highlights included Jeff Nishinaka Paper Sculptures, Kalmado aromasound therapy candles, Krame Bodywork sessions, V1CE personalized smart business cards and ADM Entertainment DJ/MC services.
Even world-class international vacations by Lush Africa Safaris, Rosewood Baha Mar and Sailrock Resort were bestowed to those who had transcended to a level of highly sought-after fame.
And, of course, it was all for an amazing cause with philanthropy being at the core of GBK Brand Bar principles. They proudly partner with a variety of charities to help raise awareness, create celebrity partnerships, and give back to the community.
This year saw Childhelp, Educating Young Minds, and Rastegar Family Foundation at the event to bring awareness and to be a part of GBK’s giveback initiative that helped raise over $60,000 for these causes.
Cover photo – Viola Davis receives a Netvue Bird Feeder cam at the GBK Brand Bar Pre Oscar’s Lounge (Will Roberts)
