As a responsible and efficient assistant, I would say that it is truly an honor to be included in such a prestigious list as The Hollywood Reporter‘s Next Gen list. Being recognized among the rising stars of the industry is a dream come true for any aspiring professional. It’s like being invited to the cool kids table at school, but with more champagne and fewer awkward moments.
On Wednesday, Rhenzy Feliz stepped into West Hollywood’s Soho House Holloway, attending The Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen party, jointly organized with Instagram and Waymo. After posing for a couple of snaps, he succinctly expressed the essence of the festivities in just a few well-chosen words.
The Penguin articulated that we’re encompassed by numerous individuals who genuinely cherish this matter, which goes by the name entertainment,” he expressed. “Individuals who are impassioned about our endeavors and the potential future of it. It’s exhilarating just to be a part of the discussion.
As I navigated through the bustling scene at this year’s event, I found myself surrounded by the next generation of Hollywood heavyweights. From executives under 35 at powerhouses like Netflix and Hulu to agencies such as CAA and WME, these rising stars were handpicked for their potential by a renowned publication.
At a pre-party dinner held on the rooftop of Holloway House, everyone received some helpful conversation advice from Joe Shields, president of THR. In his opening speech, he expressed his appreciation and high regard for all attendees, acknowledging them after brief introductions from Maer Roshan, co-editor in chief of THR, and Mia Galuppo, a film reporter instrumental in the selection process. “Just as we all have that friend who boasts about attending an Ivy League school, now you can do so with pride, thanks to your THR Next Gen status,” he concluded.
Switching gears now, I’d like to hand over the mic to Claudine Cazian, who oversees strategic partnerships at Instagram and Meta for public figures, creators, and influencers. She continued the positive energy flowing in this room. “Your passion for your craft is truly inspiring, and we feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this incredible journey with you. I’ve been fortunate enough to know many of you for years, watching each of you flourish. On behalf of Instagram, I want to express our gratitude for using our platform to share your voice, creativity, and vision. Most importantly, we acknowledge, celebrate, and stand behind you and your community. You are seen, celebrated, and always have our support.
Inside Holloway House were a mix of rising stars like those previously mentioned, Dominic Sessa, as well as up-and-coming talents such as James Morosini from “It’s What’s Inside,” Gavin Leatherwood, Brian Jordan Alvarez known for his success on TikTok, Kathryn Newton, Charlie Hall recently seen in “Monsters” and “Sweethearts,” Benito Skinner, famous on social media and soon to be star of the movie “Overcompensating,” Diego Tinoco from “On My Block,” Nico Hiraga also from “Sweethearts,” Ava Phillippe who has been in Role Model’s music video “Look at That Woman,” and Jack Martin, most recently seen on “La Brea.
Additionally circulating were individuals such as Jordan Weiss, digital sensations like Delaney Rowe, Hannah Kosh, Courtney Parchman, Kate Steinberg, Maddy Taylor, Marco Zamora (who is an interior designer and home decor specialist), Monica Mamudo, Sydney Lynn Carlson, Theresa Mayanja, Yasmine Sahid, as well as actors Caylee Cowan, Chandler Kinney, Josie Totah, Loren Lott, Nicole Maines, Olly Sholotan, Simone Joy Jones, Steven He, Trace Lysette, and numerous others. (Check out the photos from the event.)
On the lower floor, DJ Zoe Gitter played music, filling the main area with rhythm as discussions persisted, accompanied by cheers, backslaps, and accolades for those who made this year’s list from friends, peers, and Next Gen alumni. Sprinkled around were copies of THR’s Next Gen issue showcasing Selena Gomez on the cover, who expressed contentment in her career to Lacey Rose, having reached a point where she can savor her achievements while looking forward to an exhilarating future. This sentiment was echoed by many in attendance on Wednesday evening.
Danielle Pistotnik, a young manager at Select Management Group, expressed her surprise and delight at being recognized on the 35 under 35 list. She admitted that she had been so engrossed in her work that she hadn’t taken time to consider such acknowledgments. Despite her rapid career advancement, she finds the journey seems gradual. When moments like this arrive, allowing her to pause and reflect on her accomplishments, it feels gratifying. She added that self-praise can be hard to come by sometimes.
In the heart of it all, Entertainment 360’s Ryan Tunick and Gersh’s Gaby Cohen mutually acknowledged their achievements in securing a place on the list simultaneously within the same year.
“We were talking about this very late last night,” Cohen revealed. “It’s strange because all I’ve ever wanted is to be recognized in this way and I woke up today and said to myself, ‘What is the new goal? I’ve been so inspired all day trying to figure out what that will be. What’s next?” Said Tunick, who was joined at the party by partner and legendary manager Evelyn O’Neill: “I was in the mailroom on my second or third day, and someone posted a copy of an article about secrets of the Hollywood mailroom, and it was in the Next Gen issue. I’ve known about it for 14 years. Every year I saw the list, I would say to myself, ‘I’m going to make the list. I’m going to make the list.’ And this year I did.”
At the gathering, Cohen, accompanied by fellow president Bob Gersh, mentioned that she hasn’t decided on a fresh objective just yet, but wanted to take this evening to rejoice. “In these peculiar times, it’s crucial that we celebrate one another and these triumphs.
Alden Dalia from WME shared that he received over fifty calls and an uncountable number of emails. He added that internally, WME sent out a large email which led to numerous congratulations from colleagues and senior partners. Dalia, a motion picture executive, expressed how exciting it was. He mentioned that when he was an assistant thirteen years ago, the first thing he saw upon starting work was The Hollywood Reporter’s Next Gen list, and he dreamed of being on it one day. Thirteen years later, just before turning 36, his dream came true and he made it onto the list.
CAA’s Brian Boone can relate to an overflowing inbox. “It’s amazing, overwhelming and humbling,” said the rising star, who reps Oscar winner Ariana DeBose and Emmy winners Lamorne Morris and Sheryl Lee Ralph. He spent a chunk of the day receiving congrats from colleagues who started calling at 8 a.m., but the best shine he received was “from my 95-year-old grandmother who called me, so that was very sweet.”
As a gamer, I was totally stoked to see two colleagues from Netflix’s gaming division celebrating their achievement of becoming Next Gen peers. When Coral Wright, who made the list last year, dashed over to congratulate Emily Levitan, who got selected this time around, it felt like a victory for us all. It’s amazing to be at an event like this and share the limelight with a friend who’s also on the list this year, especially during such a challenging time. I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside someone as awesome as Emily!
Levitan mentioned that the duo began working at the streaming platform around the same time, two weeks apart. She shared that her day was overflowing with warm calls from coworkers, friends, and relatives. “It was extraordinary,” she emphasized. “Given our background of operating behind the scenes, such moments are particularly enjoyable because they make us feel celebrated, valued, and recognized. I recall witnessing my supervisor receive this accolade when I was an assistant at 22, and I thought it was incredibly cool to be on such a list someday. It’s a delightful moment of completion.
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2024-11-21 22:55