The Emmy Scene—Leading Up to Television’s Big Night

Before Eugene and Dan Levy took the Peacock Theatre stage at L.A. Live to host the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 15, Hollywood started celebrating with parties, previews, gifting suites, and even a proper British tea. 

For the second time this year, The Maybourne Beverly Hills hosted a BAFTA tea party. While the January fete earlier this year toasted film winners from across the pond and stateside, this affair on Sept. 14 was all about the television nods.

“We are thrilled to be back after four years to celebrate the amazing talent and to be the home to highlight the TV awards in London in May and the Emmys in L.A.,” Joyce Pierpoline, Chair of BAFTA North America, told the Courier. 

On the hotel’s terrace, Owen Bang from “SNL” was spotted near the ivy-covered wall where participants were asked to “ring a bell for Champagne,” and a white-gloved hand appeared from the greenery holding a glass of bubbly for delighted guests. Nearby, Sheryl Lee Ralph chatted with Jodie Foster. 

“One of the best days I ever had was in Beverly Hills,” Ralph told the Courier. “I was asked to perform for the holiday event [in 2023]. I thought it would be a small gathering, but when I came out on the stage, all of Rodeo Drive was packed from Wilshire to Santa Monica, and I thought, everyone in L.A. should see what this looks like. It was such a special evening, but what really got me was the kids that showed up that night, and they were all in the front. I never knew Beverly Hills could be like this. It was so wonderful.”

Other guests, including Quinta Brunson, Hiroyuki Sanada, Jonathan Pryce, Tom Hollander, Ella Purnell, Cosmo Jarvis, Takehiro Hira and more were mingling while nibbling on cucumber and salmon tea sandwiches, mini lemon scones with clotted cream and cocoa nib rochers.

“Many people don’t know that BAFTA is a year-round 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is working to advance the creative industries,” said Courtney LaBarge Bell, Executive Director of BAFTA North America. “We prioritize investing in talent, giving them that support that they need, leveraging the BAFTA name, and most importantly, our members, who are committed to giving back. We’re cultivating our community to help push the next generation of artists forward.”

On the evening of Sept. 15, in Century City, Emmy nominees and presenters, along with some of the most powerful entertainment industry influencers, joined together for the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s (MPTF) 18th annual “Evening Before” benefit.

Co-Chaired by Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers, Jon and Anna Osceola Hamm, and Sheryl Lee Ralph, the event raised $2.5 million.

“This incredible organization raises crucial funds and provides a host of other services for our industry family when they need it most,” said Hamm. “I’m excited to celebrate everyone’s great accomplishments while supporting a cause that helps many generations.”

Funds raised from the event will be used to support industry members and their families who benefit from MPTF’s charitable programs and services such as financial assistance, crisis counseling, caregiving support and residency on the Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills, “home” to television and film veterans alike. During the recent work stoppages, MPTF received over 13,000 calls for aid and provided over $8 million in charitable financial assistance.

The “Evening Before” fundraiser was designed as a relaxed town square atmosphere by Studio Komorebi with specialty food provided by Carmelized Productions by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo.

Among the celebrities who attended this year’s event were Alison Brie, Alan Cumming, Zooey Deschanel, Laura Dern, Ayo Edebiri, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Johnny Galecki, Allison Janney, Diane Lane and more.

The gifting suites were also back in Beverly Hills this year with GBK + MEND at the Beverly Wilshire with Viola Davis and Alan Cumming on the garden roof terrace with Incognito cannabis cocktails and a live performance by Grammy winner Elijah Blake. Debbie Durkin’s Eco Lux Lounge benefiting Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue Ranch was held at a private estate on Carmelina Drive where we spotted Gilles Marini, Sofia Milos and Joseph Gatt sipping Uka Sake.

Following the ABC telecast, the Walt Disney Company after-party continued the celebration with Jimmy Kimmel and the cast of “The Bear” who toasted with Johnnie Walker Blue Label cocktails and burgers inspired by cast member and Emmy-winner Ebon Moss-Bachrach and culinary producer Courtney Storer’s recipes. And the San Vicente Bungalows once again hosted the HBO + Max bash where the cast of “Hacks” dined on lobster biscuits by Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth’s CHAIN.