The show must go on.
Gift lounges are always one of the most sought after events during LA’s Awards Season: a time to drink in the excitement of nominations and enjoy LA at its most glittering and fabulous — all while meeting with cool new brands that are looking to make a splash.
Viola Davis with Bodywell at the Bodywell & MEND’s 2025 Critics’ Choice & Grammy Fire Relief Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar. Photo by Craig Blake.
This year, however, the usually revelatory LA Awards Season was turned on its head when the day after the Golden Globes, fires broke out in the Palisades and Altadena (and were soon raging throughout other areas of our beautifully eclectic city).
Firefighters and first responders have become the heroes of the day, along with mounting wildfire relief efforts throughout the community. LA has come together to support all those who have been most affected, with thousands losing their homes and businesses.
GBK Brand Bar rescheduled the event several times due to the ongoing devastation. And this weekend, the focus was on both gifting and giving when they resumed their highly anticipated Critics’ Choice Award Lounge… combining it with their Grammy Lounge for a unique experience for all.
With the fires front and center on everyone’s minds and hearts, GBK partnered with Americares — giving attendees the opportunity to fulfill hygiene and cleaning kits on-site for those that were impacted.
“We love to be able to help the fire victims in any way we can through our events,” said GBK’s CEO Gavin Keilly.
Together, GBK Brand Bar and Americares aimed to bring relief and support to those in need. GBK also partnered with Crew Nation (of Live Nation) to further assist in aid for the victims of the LA wildfires.
Eloise Mumford with MEND at the Bodywell & MEND’s 2025 Critics’ Choice & Grammy Fire Relief Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar. Photo by Jaclyn Gentilesco.
Held at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, celebrities invited to this year’s Critics’ Choice & Grammy Awards Lounge received over $60,000 in gifts and trips. Guests included Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Casey Affleck, Mekhi Phifer, Katja Herbers, Adina Porter, Jai Rodriguez, Cat Cora, Daniel Booko, James Jordan, Ian Bohan, Jackie Tohn, Greg Shun, Edwin Lee Gibson, Breken Merrill, Eloise Mumford, Nefessa Williams, Patrick Cage, Monet X Change, Katy Sullivan, Patrick Gallagher, Leah Lewis, Maxine Ashley, J. Brown, Darius Dixson, the band Gorjira, Jean & Marcus Baylor, Ricky Dillard, Lalah Hathaway, Gregory Porter, Jordan Adetunji, Durand Burnarr, Cyrille Aimee, Ricky Bell & Johnny Gill of New Edition, were just a few of the guests that came out to the Beverly Hills event.
Guests received gifts from co-sponsor Bodywell, a pioneering biotech company dedicated to enhancing well-being by mitigating the potential effects of electromagnetic radiation. MEND offered stars luxury skincare that they said harnesses the power of stem cells and gold nanoparticles.
J Brown with 5th Wheel Electric Scooter at the Bodywell & MEND’s 2025 Critics’ Choice & Grammy Fire Relief Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar. Photo by Wil Roberts.
And what does everyone heading out for a big night of celebrating at the Grammys and Critics’ Choice need but some extra beauty sleep: Rest offered guests their award-winning bedding products including cooling sheet sets and pillowcases, while Imbibe Lifestyles showcased their orthopedically designed Pearl Pillow, which is infused with copper, silver and coolant gel.
Another fave at the event included Koulianos Designs, which gifted sterling silver custom-crafted jewelry, inspired by antique Coat of Arms and family crests.
James Jordan with Neurovalens at the Bodywell & MEND’s 2025 Critics’ Choice & Grammy Fire Relief Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar. Photo by Craig Blak.
Neurovalens, a global leader in wearable neurotechnology, dedicated to improving lives through innovative, drug-free solutions for health and wellness, gifted its flagship product, Modius Sleep to those who have insomnia. 5TH WHEEL, a subsidiary of INVANTI, gifted celebs eco-friendly electric scooters and e-bikes focused on safety, sustainability, and comfort.
Lauren Goldenberg at the Bodywell & MEND’s 2025 Critics’ Choice & Grammy Fire Relief Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar.
Celebrities were also gifted trips by Sailrock Resort to Turks & Caicos, Raiwasa in Fiji, and a ‘Stay and Play’ at the historic La Casa del Camino hotel a little closer to home in Laguna Beach.
Other gifts given included clothing by fashion designers, SingleTree Lane, Claude Kameni and Shari Henry, Luenell Iconic perfume by Arzo, lip treatments by Pretty Pout, which include lip balm butters, lip balm sticks and spicy plumping lip oils, and candles by Lumiere Rene Candle Company.
Guests enjoyed food and beverages curated by Vuelo Tequila, Hertelendy Vineyards wines, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches, and a colorful candy bar by LA local candy shop Cocoa and Candy.
Koulianos Designs at the Bodywell & MEND’s 2025 Critics’ Choice & Grammy Fire Relief Lounge Presented by GBK Brand Bar.
Action Takers Publishing was offering the opportunity for the celebrities to have their personal story ghostwritten and published. Rock Dog Canine Adjustments gifted in-home dog training sessions. Music at the event was provided by DJ Bri Giger and flowers were provided by SIMS Blooms.
About Americares
Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that helps people and communities around the world access health in times of disaster and every day. Each year, Americares reaches 85 countries on average, including the United States, with life-changing health programs, medicine, medical supplies and emergency aid. Americares is one of the world’s leading nonprofit providers of donated medicine and medical supplies. For more information, visit americares.org
About GBK
Today’s best brands align themselves with GBK’s celebrity events to get their products into the hands of some of the most recognizable names in the entertainment industry. GBK has taken part in high profile events and pre-parties prior to the Academy Awards, Emmys, Golden Globes, Grammys, MTV Movie Awards, Teen Choice Awards, BET Awards, Sundance Film Festival, New York Food & Wine, Miami Beach Art Basel, Cannes Film Festival, Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, as well as celebrity golf tournaments, numerous charities and galas. For more information, visit gbkbrandbar.com.
