In a dazzling celebration of young talent, Hollywood’s emerging stars gathered for an unforgettable evening hosted by Vanity Fair and Instagram. The event, held at Bar Marmont, brought together a who’s who of the entertainment industry, with co-hosts Aaron Pierre, Anna Sawai, Keke Palmer, and Monica Barbaro leading the festivities. Attendees indulged in gourmet sliders, fries, caviar, and mini churros while sipping on Tequila Don Julio. The night was marked by reunions of cast members from popular shows like Outer Banks, Cobra Kai, and Euphoria. Notable couples also made the party a date night, adding to the glamorous atmosphere. Inside the dimly lit venue, guests enjoyed private corners for mingling, dancing, and socializing, creating a vibrant scene that celebrated the future of Hollywood.
The exclusive gathering took place on Wednesday, setting the stage for the upcoming Oscar weekend. Hosted by Vanity Fair and Instagram, the event aimed to honor the rising stars of Hollywood. Co-hosts Aaron Pierre, Anna Sawai, Keke Palmer, and Monica Barbaro welcomed guests to Bar Marmont, a legendary Los Angeles hotspot known for its intimate ambiance. As attendees arrived on the red carpet, they were greeted with trays of delectable appetizers, including sliders, fries, and caviar, complemented by mini churros for dessert. Tequila Don Julio ensured the drinks flowed freely throughout the night.
Inside the venue, the mood was electric. The hosts had their own private area where they could relax and enjoy the evening. Meanwhile, the dance floor was alive with energy as various groups of stars kept the party going. Among those cutting loose were cast members from Yellowjackets, who showed off their moves in front of the DJ booth. The event provided a rare opportunity for several casts to reunite, fostering connections between actors from different projects. Fans of Outer Banks, Cobra Kai, and Euphoria would have been thrilled to see their favorite stars interacting in person.
The evening also saw several couples enjoying the event together. Lili Reinhart and her boyfriend Jack Martin, Benito Skinner with Terrence O’Connor, and Cooper Raiff alongside Addison Timlin were among the pairs spotted staying close throughout the night. This added a touch of romance to the already lively atmosphere. For many of the attendees, this was one of the highlights of the Oscar weekend, offering a chance to celebrate not only their individual achievements but also the collective success of their peers.
The 2025 Vanities Party proved to be more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the vibrant community of young Hollywood. It showcased the camaraderie and excitement that define this generation of actors, writers, and directors. The night served as a reminder of the bright future ahead for these talented individuals, as they continue to shape the landscape of entertainment. With memorable moments and lasting impressions, the event left everyone looking forward to what lies ahead in the world of cinema and television.
The annual Santa Anita Handicap, affectionately known as the "Big 'Cap," is set to take center stage this Saturday with a prize purse of $300,000. This Grade 1 event at Santa Anita Park has been a significant milestone in horse racing since the 1930s, gaining even more fame through its legendary winner, Seabiscuit. The race not only showcases the prowess of seasoned horses but also sets the tone for the top-tier competition in the early part of the 2025 season.
Among the contenders, several horses stand out for their unique strengths and recent performances. Express Train, despite being winless in his comeback, has shown gradual improvement and could surprise if he returns to his best form. Meanwhile, New King makes his stakes debut with impressive connections, though his experience beyond shorter distances remains untested. Hit Show, on the other hand, boasts an impressive record with four wins in his last five starts, including victories in graded stakes races. His late-running style suggests he could excel over the challenging 1¼-mile distance.
The field also includes J B Strikes Back, who ended 2024 on a high note with a three-race winning streak. Although Mirahmadi prefers leading from the front, he faces stiff competition from others vying for the lead. Katonah, trained by Doug O'Neill, demonstrated strong pace management in his last outing and could capitalize on any pace disarray. Locked, fresh off a second-place finish in the prestigious Pegasus World Cup, aims to secure a prime stalking position with blinkers on. Tarantino, another speedster, will likely try to stay ahead, but must contend with familiar rivals like Katonah and Express Train.
The Santa Anita Handicap represents more than just a race; it symbolizes the resilience and competitive spirit that define horse racing. As these elite horses vie for supremacy, they remind us of the enduring allure of the sport. Each participant brings a story of perseverance and ambition, embodying the values of determination and excellence. The outcome of this race will not only highlight the best performers but also inspire future generations of racers and enthusiasts alike.
The future of tax-exempt municipal bonds is once again under scrutiny as lawmakers debate potential changes to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Industry professionals are mobilizing to ensure these vital financial instruments remain untouched. Public finance lobbyists are intensifying their efforts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the tax-exempt status for municipal bonds. This advocacy aims to highlight how preserving this status can benefit communities across the nation.
A group of dedicated public finance advocates is working tirelessly to safeguard the tax benefits associated with municipal bonds. The challenge lies in convincing key legislators who may not fully understand the implications of altering these financial tools. By focusing on lawmakers from smaller communities or those with backgrounds in government, lobbyists aim to underscore the critical role that tax-exempt bonds play in funding essential projects. The emphasis is on preventing market disruption and ensuring continued access to affordable borrowing options for local governments. Advocates argue that any changes could force borrowers into less favorable financing arrangements, potentially straining already tight bank balance sheets.
As Congress navigates a complex legislative calendar, including a looming debt ceiling deadline, the stakes are high for the municipal bond community. The uncertainty surrounding these debates adds urgency to the lobbying efforts. Advocates stress the need for proactive engagement, particularly with lawmakers who recognize the importance of tax-exempt bonds for their districts. The goal is clear: to secure bipartisan support and ensure that the final tax bill preserves the financial stability and flexibility that municipal bonds provide, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and fostering economic growth.