Before we flipped on the lights for the GQ Men of the Year red carpet, GQ global editorial director Will Welch and his party co-hosts—Jacob Elordi, Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, and Tom Ford—gathered for an intimate dinner. The MOTY issue stars set up in the Chateau Marmont penthouse for a cocktail on the wraparound balcony looking out over Hollywood. More friends from the MOTY issue pulled up, including André 3000, Jonathan Anderson, Offset, Tremaine Emory, Celine Song, John Wilson and Tim Robinson. As wine glasses were filled, the dinner party—which was presented by Spotify—got underway. Welch offered a toast, thanking the co-hosts and members of the extended GQ universe for joining. “We’re really grateful,” said Welch. “I remember when I first became editor of GQ, I reminded everybody that we can’t make anything without photographers, stylists, writers, talent, and friends who support us. And everything we’ve been doing has been built on that, and we pride ourselves on that community-based approach and on being really collaborative. I hope that those of you who were in this issue, or recent issues, or future issues really feel that.” Over entrées, Jacob Elordi and Priscilla co-star Cailee Spaeny cracked jokes, and Tom Ford and Kim Kardashian caught up and posed for photos. Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer, Fellow Travelers co-stars, discussed the post-strike promo circuit with Past Lives director Celine Song and Colman Domingo. And just about everybody pulled up to chat with André 3000, whose new album was set to drop in a few hours. As soon as dessert was cleared, the crew finished their drinks and swept to the GQ Men of the Year red carpet to really kick the night off. Scroll down to go inside the dinner and queue up the Spotify playlist—curated by Acyde—that set the tone in the room.
