Beverly Hills, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/10/26 – Hollywood was out in force Thursday as awards week energy took over Beverly Hills, with cameras flashing, gift bags overflowing and plenty of familiar faces making their way through one very busy afternoon.
The Hollywood Times’ Valerie Milano and Juan Markos were on the scene for The Marianna Group’s HARVEST Awards Week Experience at the Beverly Hills Marriott, covering the red carpet, speaking with celebrity guests and meeting the brands and entrepreneurs behind this year’s gifting experience.
And yes, it was HOT, in more ways than one.
From the moment we arrived, the suite was buzzing. Celebrities, publicists, photographers, media outlets, sponsors and invited guests filled the venue, creating the kind of organized chaos that has become part of the fun of Hollywood awards season.
With Los Angeles temperatures adding another layer to the excitement, staying camera ready was almost an endurance sport.
Hosted by Heather Marianna and The Marianna Group, the event gave celebrities and invited guests an opportunity to discover an eclectic collection of products, services and experiences from companies representing beauty, fashion, wellness, jewelry, food, beverages, fitness, travel and luxury lifestyle brands.
The guest list included an impressive mix of television veterans, performers and current awards season talent, among them Lauren Weedman, Dale Dickey, Ernest Harden Jr., Kim Estes, Stacy Haiduk, Constance Marie, Sean Kanan, Beth Broderick, Mark L. Walberg, Kristian Alfonso, Anna Maria Horsford and Carlos Manuel Vesga, a current nominee for Pluribus, along with many other familiar faces making their way through the experience.
Milano and Markos moved between the red carpet and sponsor areas throughout the afternoon, capturing interviews wherever the opportunity presented itself. At an event this crowded, some of the most interesting conversations happen once you step away from the carpet and into the middle of the action.
And there was certainly plenty of action.
Brands introduced guests to everything from skincare, fragrances and jewelry to specialty foods, beverages, wellness treatments, fitness products and travel experiences.
One particularly heartwarming presence came from Kiss My Paws Rescue, which brought some very photogenic four legged guests while raising awareness of its work rescuing, rehabilitating and finding loving homes for dogs in need.
Between the celebrities, colorful displays, overflowing tables of gifts and constant stream of conversations, the afternoon rarely slowed down.
Was it glamorous? Absolutely.
Was it fun? Definitely.
Was it crowded enough to make us think half of Hollywood received the same call time? Without question.
And did we mention the heat?
That, however, is part of the unpredictable charm of awards season. A little glamour, a little chaos, a lot of cameras and always a story to tell.
Throughout the afternoon, The Hollywood Times conducted live interviews with celebrity guests as well as many of the sponsors responsible for the products and experiences being showcased.
Those interviews will be added to this story shortly, giving readers an even closer look at the personalities, brands and memorable moments Valerie Milano and Juan Markos encountered during the HARVEST Awards Week Experience.
So check back for our video coverage and stay with The Hollywood Times as we continue taking readers behind the scenes of Hollywood’s red carpets, gifting suites and awards season celebrations.
The HARVEST Awards Week Experience is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by the Television Academy or NATAS.
By Valerie Milano & Juan Markos | The Hollywood Times (stay tuned to live interviews)
