On Thursday, Variety celebrated rising stars in entertainment at its annual Power of Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles. The 2024 honorees included music sensation Sabrina Carpenter, “SNL” breakout Marcello Hernández, and “Stranger Things” star Sadie Sink. The event took place atop the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, where the rooftop was transformed into a pink-themed haven with plush suede seating.
Guests enjoyed champagne and Asian fusion appetizers while mingling with a soundtrack of Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar played by a DJ. Filmmaker Megan Park, formerly of “The Sex Life of the American Teenager,” attended to receive the Amazon MGM Studios Breakthrough Award with her co-star Maisy Stella. Their film “My Old Ass,” a comedy about a girl meeting an older version of herself, was a hit at Sundance.
Park expressed her gratitude, saying, “This award represents my breakthrough in a new capacity as a writer and director. It’s encouraging to see more diverse roles and opportunities in a vibrant, open-minded young generation.”
Hernández, who is known for his comedy about Latino family life, brought his mother as his guest. He shared, “When I started comedy, she always said she had to attend my first red carpet event. I’m thrilled she could join and enjoy the experience.”
The evening began with Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, who energized the crowd by referencing Charli XCX’s viral “brat summer” trend before passing hosting duties to comedian Matt Friend.
Among the guests were beauty YouTuber James Charles, Addison Rae, “A Family Affair” star Joey King, Chandler Kinney, “Drag Race” contestant Kerri Colby, and Lukas Gage from “The White Lotus.” A Cash App-sponsored photo booth captured fun moments with actor Gavin Leatherwood, singer 4Batz, YouTuber Harry Jowsey, and “Theater Camp” star Owen Thiele. Toby Maguire made a low-key appearance, chatting with attendees near the DJ booth.
In her acceptance speech, Carpenter encouraged the audience with, “Believe in yourself,” before departing with a tray of “Me Espresso” martinis, named after her hit song.