The winds were howling around the WSA building last evening as GQ magazine hosted its prestigious second annual Creativity Awards. While it created a stir at arrivals, the blustery conditions provided dramatic photo opportunities; none more so than when Hunter Schafer arrived, her long hair dramatically billowing like a scene from a film. Honorees for the night included Schafer, Marni’s creative director Francesco Risso, comedians Danny McBride and JB Smoove, Formula One superstar Lewis Hamilton, musician Asake, artist Lauren Halsey, and music producers Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor.
As 140 guests dined on a bespoke menu curated by chef Jake Brodsky of Palm Heights, they were entertained by master of ceremonies JB Smoove, introduced by GQ’s own editor-in-chief Will Welch. Smoove, fresh from the finale of his show Curb Your Enthusiasm, regaled the audience with stories from his six seasons as Leon Black on the series, leaving guests in stitches.
The awards ceremony kicked off with a bang as Michaela Coel, Schafer’s co-star in Mother Mary, presented the first award. Coel then delighted the crowd with a story about her delightful meet-cute with Schafer at the Met Gala—a tipsy but instant connection between two glamorous attendees. She praised working with Schafer, describing her as “a woman who shouts for those who can only whisper; a true advocate.”
Schafer returned the admiration as she accepted her award, expressing her gratitude and awe for the creatives in the room: “It’s so important to have role models,” she said of Coel and others. Even among icons like George Lucas and Erykah Badu, the evening resonated with mutual appreciation and star-struck moments. Adam Devine, presenting an award to his comedy idol Danny McBride, captured this feeling.
Badu, a vision in Marni from head to toe (including a statement hat), then took to the stage to introduce her close friend Francesco Risso. The pair go way back—from Badu attending the Met Gala as Risso’s date in 2022 to their recent capsule collection collaboration for Marni last fall. To commemorate Risso’s Creativity Award, Badu organized a surprise marching band performance, dressed head-to-toe in Marni, who snaked through the dinner tables led by Badu on the whistle conducting an original piece by Dev Hynes, also in attendance. The crowd was wowed, with Willy Chavarria exclaiming, “Incredible!”
Following their respective acceptance speeches, Schafer and Risso shared a relieved embrace, both admitting to being nervous public speakers. Now relaxed, they headed upstairs for the after-party with DJ Spinna, joined by Badu, Reznor, and Ross—a typical GQ post-event bash not to be missed!
A night filled with star power, mutual admiration, and creative celebrations, it showcased the best of GQ’s Creativity Awards.