Southern California's Top 100 Events 2018 - Entertainment Industry Events
May 22, 2018
1. Academy Awards
#1 Entertainment Industry Event
For its 90th anniversary in February, the Oscars were a joyful celebration of diversity mixed with old Hollywood glamour. Host Jimmy Kimmel took the reins this year, and a standout set design from Derek McLane featured a jaw-dropping 45 million Swarovski crystals—which is 40 times more crystals than the past 10 years combined. Possibly Los Angeles's buzziest event across all industries, the annual award show brings with it a slew of hot-ticket parties, including Vanity Fair's exclusive after-party and the Academy's own Governors Ball. Next: February 24, 2019
For its 90th anniversary in February, the Oscars were a joyful celebration of diversity mixed with old Hollywood glamour. Host Jimmy Kimmel took the reins this year, and a standout set design from Derek McLane featured a jaw-dropping 45 million Swarovski crystals—which is 40 times more crystals than the past 10 years combined. Possibly Los Angeles's buzziest event across all industries, the annual award show brings with it a slew of hot-ticket parties, including Vanity Fair's exclusive after-party and the Academy's own Governors Ball. Next: February 24, 2019
Photo: Getty Images
2. Golden Globes
#2 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #3)
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association's 75th annual awards took over the Beverly Hilton in January. As the first major award show of the season, the Globes tackled the slew of recent Hollywood sexual assault accusations head-on, with a charged monologue by host Seth Meyers, a speech from Oprah Winfrey that instantly went viral, and all-black attire from most attendees in honor of the Time's Up initiative. Post-ceremony, high-profile after-parties from HBO, Fox, Warner Brothers, and more took over various areas of the hotel. Next: January 19, 2019
The Hollywood Foreign Press Association's 75th annual awards took over the Beverly Hilton in January. As the first major award show of the season, the Globes tackled the slew of recent Hollywood sexual assault accusations head-on, with a charged monologue by host Seth Meyers, a speech from Oprah Winfrey that instantly went viral, and all-black attire from most attendees in honor of the Time's Up initiative. Post-ceremony, high-profile after-parties from HBO, Fox, Warner Brothers, and more took over various areas of the hotel. Next: January 19, 2019
Photo: Courtesy of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association
3. Primetime Emmys
#3 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #4)
The 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards took over the Microsoft Theater in September for a night of historic wins, including for women and people of color who won in certain major categories for the first time. Stephen Colbert hosted for the first time. The Academy’s post-Emmys Governors Ball hosts about 4,000 seated guests and is billed as the largest formal dinner in the country. The 2018 Emmys will be held on a Monday and broadcast by NBC. Next: September 17, 2018
The 69th annual Primetime Emmy Awards took over the Microsoft Theater in September for a night of historic wins, including for women and people of color who won in certain major categories for the first time. Stephen Colbert hosted for the first time. The Academy’s post-Emmys Governors Ball hosts about 4,000 seated guests and is billed as the largest formal dinner in the country. The 2018 Emmys will be held on a Monday and broadcast by NBC. Next: September 17, 2018
Photo: Nadine Froger
4. BET Awards & BET Experience
#4 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #6)
Once a standalone award show, BET expanded its award ceremony telecast with a multiday, immersive fan fest known as the BET Experience. Over the course of four days leading up to the awards, the festival at L.A. Live draws more than 100,000 fans. The sixth edition in 2018 will feature performances by Chris Brown, SZA, Ludacris, and other big names. Next: June 21-24, 2018
Once a standalone award show, BET expanded its award ceremony telecast with a multiday, immersive fan fest known as the BET Experience. Over the course of four days leading up to the awards, the festival at L.A. Live draws more than 100,000 fans. The sixth edition in 2018 will feature performances by Chris Brown, SZA, Ludacris, and other big names. Next: June 21-24, 2018
Photo: Erik Voake
5. Television Critics Association Press Tour
#5 Entertainment Industry Event (new to the list)
Twice a year, more than 200 journalists who cover the small screen come to the Beverly Hilton to hear from network executives and casts from a variety of shows—generating roughly 40,000 new stories during each two-week span. The January 2018 edition was dominated by discussions of the #MeToo movement, the potential Fox-Disney merger, and the rise of strong television from the U.K. The association will hand out the T.C.A. Awards at its July edition. Next: July 25-August 8, 2018
Twice a year, more than 200 journalists who cover the small screen come to the Beverly Hilton to hear from network executives and casts from a variety of shows—generating roughly 40,000 new stories during each two-week span. The January 2018 edition was dominated by discussions of the #MeToo movement, the potential Fox-Disney merger, and the rise of strong television from the U.K. The association will hand out the T.C.A. Awards at its July edition. Next: July 25-August 8, 2018
Photo: Courtesy of the Television Critics Association
6. Screen Actors Guild Awards
#6 Entertainment Industry Event
The Screen Actors Guild hosted its 24th annual award show this year at the Shrine Auditorium. Immediately following, People magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation hosted their 22nd annual official after-party just steps from the main stage; this year's event, which had a nightclub-inspired theme full of reflective surfaces, was designed by longtime collaborator Event Eleven. Next: January 27, 2019
The Screen Actors Guild hosted its 24th annual award show this year at the Shrine Auditorium. Immediately following, People magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation hosted their 22nd annual official after-party just steps from the main stage; this year's event, which had a nightclub-inspired theme full of reflective surfaces, was designed by longtime collaborator Event Eleven. Next: January 27, 2019
Photo: Line 8 Photography
7. Film Independent Spirit Awards
#7 Entertainment Industry Event
Traditionally held the day before the Oscars, the awards honor indie filmmakers in a casual, daytime ceremony in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. This year's show handed out top honors to Get Out, Call Me By Your Name, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and actors Nick Kroll and John Mulaney returned as hosts. Sponsor AT&T expanded its footprint this year with a pop-up hospitality suite dubbed the DirecTV Bungalow, which served as a pre-awards cocktail station and a place to have trophies engraved after the show. Next: February 23, 2019
Traditionally held the day before the Oscars, the awards honor indie filmmakers in a casual, daytime ceremony in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica. This year's show handed out top honors to Get Out, Call Me By Your Name, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and actors Nick Kroll and John Mulaney returned as hosts. Sponsor AT&T expanded its footprint this year with a pop-up hospitality suite dubbed the DirecTV Bungalow, which served as a pre-awards cocktail station and a place to have trophies engraved after the show. Next: February 23, 2019
Photo: Charley Gallay/Getty Images
8. Palm Springs International Film Festival
#8 Entertainment Industry Event
One of the largest film festivals in North America, the event draws more than 135,000 attendees for a lineup of international features and documentaries. The fest includes the buzzy Film Awards Gala, which raises more than $1 million annually. Overall, the festival presents 180 films from more than 50 countries, over five venues, on 16 screens, plus daily events in Palm Springs. The Film Society produces the 29-year-old festival. Next: January 3-14, 2019
One of the largest film festivals in North America, the event draws more than 135,000 attendees for a lineup of international features and documentaries. The fest includes the buzzy Film Awards Gala, which raises more than $1 million annually. Overall, the festival presents 180 films from more than 50 countries, over five venues, on 16 screens, plus daily events in Palm Springs. The Film Society produces the 29-year-old festival. Next: January 3-14, 2019
Photo: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Festival
9. A.F.I. Lifetime Achievement Award
#9 Entertainment Industry Event
Last June, actress Diane Keaton received the 45th incarnation of the award, the highest honor in town for a film career; George Clooney will be honored this year. The American Film Institute’s annual honor debuted in 1973. Past recipients have included John Williams, who took home the prize in 2016, as well as Steve Martin, Dustin Hoffman, Gene Kelly, Billy Wilder, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, and Gregory Peck. Next: June 7, 2018
Last June, actress Diane Keaton received the 45th incarnation of the award, the highest honor in town for a film career; George Clooney will be honored this year. The American Film Institute’s annual honor debuted in 1973. Past recipients have included John Williams, who took home the prize in 2016, as well as Steve Martin, Dustin Hoffman, Gene Kelly, Billy Wilder, Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, and Gregory Peck. Next: June 7, 2018
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner
10. Environmental Media Awards
#10 Entertainment Industry Event
The Environmental Media Association’s award show, honoring people and media for work to raise public awareness of environmental issues, takes place tonight at the Montage Beverly Hills. Hosted by Amber Valletta, the evening will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and an awards program. Fox, Sony, and HBO have the most nominations this year. Next: May 22, 2018
The Environmental Media Association’s award show, honoring people and media for work to raise public awareness of environmental issues, takes place tonight at the Montage Beverly Hills. Hosted by Amber Valletta, the evening will include a cocktail reception, a seated dinner, and an awards program. Fox, Sony, and HBO have the most nominations this year. Next: May 22, 2018
Photo: Courtesy of the Environmental Media Association
11. American Music Awards
#11 Entertainment Industry Event
Dick Clark Productions produces the awards, which are billed as the world’s largest fan-voted music-award show. It features performances from current artists and presents fan-voted awards in 28 categories. In 2017, actress Tracee Ellis Ross hosted and Bruno Mars led the night in wins. The host's mother, Diana Ross, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Next: October 9, 2018
Dick Clark Productions produces the awards, which are billed as the world’s largest fan-voted music-award show. It features performances from current artists and presents fan-voted awards in 28 categories. In 2017, actress Tracee Ellis Ross hosted and Bruno Mars led the night in wins. The host's mother, Diana Ross, was honored with a lifetime achievement award. Next: October 9, 2018
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
12. A.F.I. Fest
#12 Entertainment Industry Event
The weeklong festival presented by Audi is unique in a crowded festival field in that tickets are free for the public. The 31st incarnation took over Hollywood last November with screenings, galas, and other events, including a retrospective on the work of Robert Altman, a storytelling boot camp for Los Angeles Unified School District students, and a gala tribute to Ridley Scott. Next: November 8-15, 2018
The weeklong festival presented by Audi is unique in a crowded festival field in that tickets are free for the public. The 31st incarnation took over Hollywood last November with screenings, galas, and other events, including a retrospective on the work of Robert Altman, a storytelling boot camp for Los Angeles Unified School District students, and a gala tribute to Ridley Scott. Next: November 8-15, 2018
Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Audi
13. People's Choice Awards
#13 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #15)
Now in its 44th year, the People’s Choice Awards is billed as the only major award show voted on entirely by the public for fan favorites in movies, music, television, and digital. The 2018 edition is moving from January to November to avoid a crowded award season, and will be broadcast on E! for the first time. Den of Thieves’ Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager will serve as executive producers. Next: November 11, 2018
Now in its 44th year, the People’s Choice Awards is billed as the only major award show voted on entirely by the public for fan favorites in movies, music, television, and digital. The 2018 edition is moving from January to November to avoid a crowded award season, and will be broadcast on E! for the first time. Den of Thieves’ Jesse Ignjatovic and Evan Prager will serve as executive producers. Next: November 11, 2018
Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
14. Paleyfest
#14 Entertainment Industry Event
The television festival presented by the Paley Center for Media brings fans together with the talent behind their favorite shows. Held at the Dolby Theatre, more than 200 stars and creative talents in TV share behind-the-scenes scoops, anecdotes, and news. Two weeks of programming includes screenings, panel discussions, and Q&As. Next: March 2019
The television festival presented by the Paley Center for Media brings fans together with the talent behind their favorite shows. Held at the Dolby Theatre, more than 200 stars and creative talents in TV share behind-the-scenes scoops, anecdotes, and news. Two weeks of programming includes screenings, panel discussions, and Q&As. Next: March 2019
Photo: Brian To for the Paley Center
15. Elle Women in Hollywood Awards
#15 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #17)
Elle celebrated its 24th annual Women in Hollywood awards in Beverly Hills in October. The event honored Jennifer Lawrence, Laura Dern, Tessa Thompson, and other prominent women; Joel McHale served as emcee. The awards took on new meaning in the immediate wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandals, with presenters such as Reese Witherspoon sharing stories of harassment and assault in the industry. Next: October 2018
Elle celebrated its 24th annual Women in Hollywood awards in Beverly Hills in October. The event honored Jennifer Lawrence, Laura Dern, Tessa Thompson, and other prominent women; Joel McHale served as emcee. The awards took on new meaning in the immediate wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandals, with presenters such as Reese Witherspoon sharing stories of harassment and assault in the industry. Next: October 2018
Photo: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for ELLE
16. N.A.A.C.P. Image Awards
#16 Entertainment Industry Event (up from #18)
Ava DuVernay, Danny Glover, and Charlie Wilson were among the honorees at the 49th awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson and broadcast live on TV One from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in January. The awards date back to 1967 and the Civil Rights Movement, and honor achievements and performances of people of color in the arts. Next: January 2019
Ava DuVernay, Danny Glover, and Charlie Wilson were among the honorees at the 49th awards, hosted by Anthony Anderson and broadcast live on TV One from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in January. The awards date back to 1967 and the Civil Rights Movement, and honor achievements and performances of people of color in the arts. Next: January 2019
Photo: Earl Gibson III/WireImage
17. Glaad Media Awards
#17 Entertainment Industry Event
This year marked the 29th incarnation of the awards, which take place in the springtime in Los Angeles with a corresponding event in New York a few weeks later. Ketel One, Delta, Wells Fargo, and Gilead are presenting sponsors. The honors recognize media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the L.G.B.T. communities and related issues; it’s the biggest event of its kind in the country. Britney Spears and Jim Parsons were honored at the Los Angeles event. Next: April 2019
This year marked the 29th incarnation of the awards, which take place in the springtime in Los Angeles with a corresponding event in New York a few weeks later. Ketel One, Delta, Wells Fargo, and Gilead are presenting sponsors. The honors recognize media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of the L.G.B.T. communities and related issues; it’s the biggest event of its kind in the country. Britney Spears and Jim Parsons were honored at the Los Angeles event. Next: April 2019
Photo: J. Merritt/Getty Images for GLAAD
18. Outfest
#18 Entertainment Industry Event (new to the list)
The oldest film festival in Los Angeles and one of the preeminent L.G.B.T.Q. film festivals in the world, the event is 11 days of film screenings, panels, and galas around Los Angeles. The 2018 event expects to screen 150 feature and short film premieres for an audience of more than 40,000; galas will include an opening-night celebration of Matt Trynauer’s Studio 54 documentary, and a closing-night gala centered around Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Outfest is presented by HBO, and DirecTV Now serves as grand sponsor. Next: July 12-22, 2018
The oldest film festival in Los Angeles and one of the preeminent L.G.B.T.Q. film festivals in the world, the event is 11 days of film screenings, panels, and galas around Los Angeles. The 2018 event expects to screen 150 feature and short film premieres for an audience of more than 40,000; galas will include an opening-night celebration of Matt Trynauer’s Studio 54 documentary, and a closing-night gala centered around Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner The Miseducation of Cameron Post. Outfest is presented by HBO, and DirecTV Now serves as grand sponsor. Next: July 12-22, 2018
Photo: Courtesy of Outfest
19. L.A. Film Festival
#19 Entertainment Industry Event
This year marks the L.A. Film Festival’s 24th year; it includes nine days of independent-film screenings, panels, networking, parties, and activities. Film Independent produces the festival, which qualifies films for awards including the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the Cinema Eye Honors, and several categories of the Academy Awards. Next: September 20-28, 2018
This year marks the L.A. Film Festival’s 24th year; it includes nine days of independent-film screenings, panels, networking, parties, and activities. Film Independent produces the festival, which qualifies films for awards including the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the Cinema Eye Honors, and several categories of the Academy Awards. Next: September 20-28, 2018
Photo: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
20. Bafta L.A. Britannia Awards
#20 Entertainment Industry Event
The British Academy's awards fete individuals and companies in the U.S., U.K., and around the world; it’s the group’s highest honor. The most recent iteration in October honored Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, Aziz Ansari, Ava DuVernay, Dick Van Dyke, and Claire Foy; the ceremony was presented by American Airlines and Jaguar Land Rover. Proceeds from the event support Bafta Los Angeles’s education, scholarship, community outreach, and archival projects. Next: October 2018
The British Academy's awards fete individuals and companies in the U.S., U.K., and around the world; it’s the group’s highest honor. The most recent iteration in October honored Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, Aziz Ansari, Ava DuVernay, Dick Van Dyke, and Claire Foy; the ceremony was presented by American Airlines and Jaguar Land Rover. Proceeds from the event support Bafta Los Angeles’s education, scholarship, community outreach, and archival projects. Next: October 2018
Photo: Kevork Djansezian/BAFTA LA/Getty Images for BAFTA LA
21. Women in Film Crystal & Lucy Awards
#21 Entertainment Industry Event
Women in Film celebrates outstanding women in the entertainment industry each year. Jessica Williams hosted the ceremony in 2017 and Max Mara and BMW sponsored. Elizabeth Banks, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Zoey Deutch were among the honorees, and video messages from former first ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton aired during the event. The awards date back to 1977. Next: June 13, 2018
Women in Film celebrates outstanding women in the entertainment industry each year. Jessica Williams hosted the ceremony in 2017 and Max Mara and BMW sponsored. Elizabeth Banks, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Zoey Deutch were among the honorees, and video messages from former first ladies Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton aired during the event. The awards date back to 1977. Next: June 13, 2018
Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Women In Film
22. iHeart Radio Music Awards
#22 Entertainment Industry Event
The fifth annual music celebration recently took place at the Forum and aired live on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, plus iHeartMedia stations. Performers included Bon Jovi, Ed Sheehan, Eminem, and Cardi B, while Taylor Swift premiered a music video. The award show garnered more than 216 billion social-media impressions in the United States. Next: March 2019
The fifth annual music celebration recently took place at the Forum and aired live on TBS, TNT, and TruTV, plus iHeartMedia stations. Performers included Bon Jovi, Ed Sheehan, Eminem, and Cardi B, while Taylor Swift premiered a music video. The award show garnered more than 216 billion social-media impressions in the United States. Next: March 2019
Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images
