Held at The Sun Rose Hotel on the legendary Sunset Strip, guests experienced this year’s ultimate gifting experience with this year’s hottest gifts, coveted trips and must-have items.
By Valerie Milano & Jason Thompson
West Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/14/25 – Awards buzz filled the air at GBK Brand Bar’s two-day celebrity luxury lounge celebrating television’s biggest night, held Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13, at The Sun Rose Hotel on the iconic Sunset Strip. More than 30 nominees, presenters, past winners, and stars from nominated shows, along with other top talent, came out to celebrate, mingle, and experience the season’s most anticipated gift lounge.
As the leader in celebrity gift lounges, GBK Brand Bar proudly hosted its 19th Annual Luxury Lounge, presented by Oro Ventro Parfum, the fragrance of legacy, love, heritage, and innovation, as well as Burj Bites, creators of handcrafted Kunafa-filled chocolates from Dubai. Taking place, the weekend before television’s biggest night, guests were treated to this year’s most coveted gifts and trips, including Ritualslane luxury skincare, an exclusive VIP experience from the LA Chargers, and many more unforgettable offerings.
The impressive roster of celebrity attendees featured nominees like Jeff Hiller (Somebody Somewhere), Jason Isaacs (Best Supporting Actor), and Christian Minkler (Sound), along with their White Lotus co-star Thayme Thapthimthong. Stars from acclaimed shows such as Love on the Spectrum (winner), Matlock, The Pitt, The Bear, The Residence, Paradise, Drag Race, Hacks, Nobody Wants This, and Slow Horses joined the celebration. Emmy presenters Angela Bassett, Craig Robinson, and Harvey Guillén were also in attendance, along with Cheri Oteri, Keith David, Camryn Manheim, Scott Evans, Richard Kind, Folake Olowofoyeku, Jai Rodriguez, and many more.
Guests were further spoiled with gourmet delights and lifestyle luxuries, from Hansen’s Cakes and Ike’s Love and Sandwiches to Jam Vino wine-infused jams, OPHORA oxygen-rich water, Hertelendy Vineyards’ award-winning wines, and Shepard Boy Farms’ premium dog food. Luxury experiences and gifts included Pilates sessions, Cat Cora by Cutlery Pro knives, Corina K Minerals’ Glow Stick, as well as dream getaways to Fiji, Turks & Caicos, and Dallas, Texas. The Sun Rose itself offered a luxury Los Angeles ‘staycation.’ Music was curated by DJ Dazzler, with press and talent secured by Mosaic PR.
Philanthropy was once again at the heart of GBK Brand Bar and CEO Gavin Keilly. This year’s lounge proudly supported Food on Foot, a Los Angeles nonprofit assisting unhoused and low-income neighbors with meals, training, employment, and housing opportunities. To date, GBK has helped raise more than $10 million for its charitable partners.
As The Hollywood Times had the pleasure of attending, I can attest firsthand that this event was not only a highlight of Emmy Awards week, but also a full-on experience of curated luxury. Guests were greeted on the stunning Garden Terrace, on the back side of Sunset Boulevard, and immediately welcomed into a world of indulgence and discovery.
Presented by Oro Parfum and Burj Bites Chocolate, the lounge featured an impressive lineup of this year’s hottest products and experiences. Among the coveted gifts were elegant fragrances, indulgent artisan chocolates, premium Ritualslane skincare, and even an exclusive VIP experience from the LA Chargers.
But the generosity didn’t stop there. GBK made sure every corner offered something dazzling, from cutting-edge wellness products to unique travel experiences. The lounge was designed as a sensory journey, where guests could not only take-home gifts but also connect with brands through live demos, tastings, and one-on-one conversations with founders.
Hollywood’s biggest names flocked to the lounge across the two-day event, mingling with brand ambassadors, enjoying cocktails, and walking away with bags brimming with luxury. GBK’s signature touch has always been the way they blend star power with philanthropy, and this year was no different.
As a journalist, it was a privilege to be welcomed into such an exclusive environment. Press space was limited this year, making attendance all the more special. Beyond covering the event, each approved outlet, including The Hollywood Times, received its own Press Bag, a delightful surprise filled with curated items that reflected the thoughtful selection offered to celebrity attendees.
Personally, I walked away not only with a generous array of gifts but also with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and effort that goes into creating these experiences. GBK has mastered the craft of turning a gifting suite into an unforgettable celebration, one that seamlessly blends the world of luxury branding with the vibrancy of Hollywood’s awards season.
The 19th Annual GBK Luxury Lounge wasn’t just a prelude to the Emmys; it was a testament to the enduring power of Hollywood glamour and the relationships that fuel it. With every year, GBK continues to set the standard for celebrity lounges, and 2025 was no exception. 
From the breathtaking venue to the exquisite gifts and the parade of talent, the event once again proved why GBK remains the leader in luxury lounges. For Emmy nominees and Hollywood insiders alike, it was the perfect way to kick off the most glamorous weekend of the year.
