Black Panther's big win may have dominated headlines surrounding Sunday night's Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles—but in the event world, the show is notable for its star-studded official after-party. While most high-profile award shows have a slew of competing parties, the SAG Awards are most known for just one: People's post-show gala, which the magazine has been hosting for 23 years.
Held immediately after the awards on a transformed section of the Shrine Auditorium stage, the event was designed and produced by longtime collaborator Tony Schubert of Event Eleven. Working with People's executive director of special projects, Lisa Simpson Briel, Schubert creates a new, distinct theme for the event every year. (Last year had nightclub-inspired decor, and previous years focused on a Parisian street scene, Hollywood's golden age, and more.)
This year's theme was inspired by Cuba. "I created a plaza in Havana, and commissioned Cuba's biggest artist, Kadir Lopez, to create a massive 100-foot-wide mural and other art within the space," explained Schubert, who noted that Lopez attended the event and did live painting.
Additional on-theme touches included 1920s-style arches, Oxblood banquettes by FormDecor, dark wood tables by Designer8, and sisal carpeting by Primo XL. Twenty-foot palm trees created a tropical vibe, and amber lighting from candles and lanterns completed the look.
Schubert told Variety that the lighting was intentionally designed with guests in mind. “We live in a city where everybody wants to look good," he told the publication. "It’s our job at events like this, and really all of our events, to make sure that the lighting is the right temperature, looks great for photographs, and people feel comfortable."
Food from Wolfgang Puck Catering also adopted the theme, with dishes including Cubano sandwiches, a seafood station with Cuban spices, and Cuba-inspired cocktails.
The gala was intended to honor the charitable efforts of SAG members. During the evening, nonprofit Stand Up To Cancer—a division of the Entertainment Industry Foundation—made a $125,000 grant to SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Catastrophic Health Fund, which helps members who suffer from catastrophic illnesses or injuries.
Take a look inside the gala.
![“This year’s theme for [the SAG Awards gala] was a Havana plaza in Cuba. We transformed the Shrine Auditorium with 20-foot-tall set pieces that consisted of 18 arches, a raised courtyard with a fountain, seating areas, buffet stations, and a DJ post. I commissioned Cuba’s biggest artist to create original artwork to adorn the walls. This was our 11th year designing the gala, and each year we strive to set the bar higher and higher.”](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2019/06/2019.SAG.15.5d02ac8b7f928.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=crop&h=167&q=70&w=250)
