What is Variety’s Hitmaker event? Exploring the 2023 Brunch and celebrities that attended

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Key Highlights

• Variety's Hitmakers event celebrates artistry, creativity and resilience in the music industry
• Variety's Hitmakers continue to be a role model for recognizing and acknowledging diverse voices

Variety's prestigious annual Hitmakers event in the heart of Hollywood recognized both emerging and established talent in the dynamic world of music. This year's events, which took place on December 2, attracted a constellation of stars responsible for some of the biggest hits of 2023, making it an unforgettable industry night, according to Variety.

Hitmaker of the Year: SZA is in the spotlight

The coveted “Hitmaker of the Year” award went to none other than SZA, whose hit “Kill Bill” captured the hearts of music fans around the world. The song, which explores themes of dreams and grief, reached No. 2 on the charts, confirming SZA's position as a leader in the industry. SZA has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, for her creative brilliance and distinctive style.

In her acceptance speech, the 34-year-old singer thanked her for the recognition and at the same time looked back on her career. SZA sincerely praised her loyal fan base and emphasized that real hitmaking lies in the faith of both the audience and the artist's inner circle. Her comments rang true and illuminated the perseverance needed to overcome the music industry's hurdles.

Rising Stars Award: Sabrina Carpenter's meteoric rise

Sabrina Carpenter, recipient of H&M's Rising Stars Award, added extra sparkle to the evening. The former Disney star made a splash with her fifth studio album, Emails I Can't Send, which became her most successful album to date. Carpenter's edgy and controversial music video for Feathers, filmed in a Brooklyn Catholic church, made headlines and cemented her reputation as a rising industry force.

Dynamic duos: Billie Eilish and Finneas Shine

The event was attended by dynamic sibling duo Billie Eilish and Finneas, who were recognized for their collaboration on the song “What Was I Made For?” The song, used in the summer blockbuster Barbie, left a lasting impression on viewers and, according to Variety, demonstrated the flexibility and originality associated with the collaboration between Eilish and Finneas.

Storyteller Award: Olivia Rodrigo's narrative brilliance

The Storyteller Award went to Olivia Rodrigo, Vampire's most successful singer-songwriter. Her ability to create compelling storylines through her music has been well received by fans and reviewers alike. Rodrigo's presence at the event sparked enthusiasm among young people and confirmed her reputation as a prominent participant in the industry.

A star affair: celebrities on the red carpet

Variety's Hitmakers event offered a stunning display of fashion and originality on the red carpet. The evening saw musical brilliance and Hollywood glamor collide, from famous presenter and Barbie star Ryan Gosling to the captivating Conan Gray and the ever-stylish Julia Michaels. Guests included Maren Morris, Flavor Flav and Mark Ronson, all contributing to the diverse mix of characters that make up Variety's Hitmakers.

Meanwhile, Variety's Hitmakers event essentially serves as a platform to showcase the talent, ingenuity and tenacity that define the music industry. It's a time to recognize individuals who helped shape the year's musical landscape and look into the exciting future of young artists. The remnants of stellar performances and poignant speeches can still be felt as the curtain rises on the 2023 edition and audiences eagerly await what the next generation of hitmakers will bring to the world of music.

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