Good times were had and millions were raised at MPTF‘s 18th annual Evening Before fundraiser.
The starry event, held at Century Park in Los Angeles on Saturday night, raked in $2.5 million to support the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s programs and services on the Wasserman Campus in Woodland Hills while hosting a who’s who of Emmy nominees, winners and A-list Hollywood insiders on the eve of TV’s biggest night. Century Park was reimagined as a “relaxed town square” by Studio Komorebi complete with carnival games and food stations with a menu provided by L.A. food stars Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo and their Carmelized Prods.
A long list of stars rubbed shoulders with Evening Before co-chairs Greg Berlanti and Robbie Rogers, Jon Hamm and Anna Osceola Hamm, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Those on the scene included Eric André, Awkwafina, Justin Baldoni, Alex Borstein, Alison Brie, Quinta Brunson, Nicola Coughlan, Alan Cumming, Laura Dern, Ayo Edebiri, Nikki Glaser, Brett Goldstein, Max Greenfield, Alana Haim, Glenn Howerton, Brendan Hunt, Devery Jacobs, Joshua Jackson, Allison Janney, Keegan-Michael Key, Aja Naomi King, Nick Kroll, Michelle Monaghan, Annie Murphy, Lily Rabe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Sam Richardson, Adam Scott, Rachel Sennott, Andrew Scott, Morgan Spector, Christian Slater, Juno Temple, Jesse Williams, Tyler James Williams and more.
“Against the backdrop of an industry struggling to get back on its feet, this second Evening Before in 2024 didn’t lack for anything,” offered MPTF CEO Bob Beitcher, referencing the second Emmys weekend of the year following January’s delayed celebration due to the guild strikes. “The show of industry solidarity and support was remarkable and the Evening Before event was another great night for our entertainment community and MPTF.”
Added Fargo nominee Hamm: “This incredible organization raises crucial funds and provides a host of other services for our industry family when they need it most. I’m excited to celebrate everyone’s great accomplishments while supporting a cause that helps many generations.”
Presenting sponsors included Delta Air Lines, Penske Media Corporation (The Hollywood Reporter’s parent company), People and UCLA Health, with additional support from Apple TV+, Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery.