The inaugural Assistants vs. Agents (AvA) Awards brought well-deserved recognition to Hollywood's support staff, shifting the spotlight from established stars to the crucial individuals who keep the industry running. The event underscored the significant contributions of these often-overlooked professionals, celebrating their resilience and dedication. With plans for future editions, the AvA Awards aim to continuously champion the backbone of the entertainment world, fostering a sense of community and appreciation among its hardest workers.
The first-ever Assistants vs. Agents (AvA) Awards was a landmark event, shining a light on the dedication and hard work of Hollywood's often-unseen professionals. Held at the El Rey Theater, the ceremony was a testament to the vital role assistants play across studios, agencies, and production sets. Creator Connor Wood, who also hosted the event, humorously acknowledged the various assistant categories present, from agency and studio assistants to personal and writers' assistants, emphasizing their collective importance. Video messages from industry figures like Rhett and Link and Nikki Glaser further underscored the assistants' value, with Glaser offering a powerful message of encouragement: "You're going to run this place some day." The event successfully blended satire with genuine appreciation, using a copy machine as a podium and setting up a cubicle photo booth, all while celebrating the unsung heroes of the entertainment world.
Celebrating Hollywood's Unsung Heroes
The Assistants vs. Agents Awards, a first-of-its-kind event, brought much-needed attention to the indispensable contributions of Hollywood's assistant workforce. This ceremony, born from the popular Instagram account, provided a unique platform to honor the individuals who tirelessly support the entertainment industry. The sold-out event, held at the El Rey Theater, was a blend of humor, recognition, and camaraderie, designed to celebrate those who keep the complex machinery of Hollywood moving smoothly. It was a clear statement that while glamorous awards shows celebrate on-screen talent, it is the assistants working behind the scenes who form the essential infrastructure.
The AvA Awards, conceived by former WME assistant Warner Bailey, was created to honor the often-overlooked and underappreciated workforce that underpins the entire Hollywood ecosystem. With a diverse attendance spanning agency, studio, production, personal, music, and writers' assistants, the event fostered a strong sense of community. The night featured both humorous accolades, such as "worst corporate buzzword" and "most impossible task," alongside the prestigious "Assistant of the Year" honors presented to eight deserving individuals. These awards recognized not only their professional excellence but also their positive impact within their broader communities. The event also highlighted its charitable aspect, with proceeds supporting various foundations, including those honoring two assistants lost in a plane crash, further cementing the AvA Awards as a platform for both recognition and philanthropy.
The Vision Behind the AvA Awards
The AvA Awards emerged from a desire to acknowledge and uplift the foundational members of the entertainment industry. Warner Bailey, the visionary behind the Assistants vs. Agents platform, successfully transitioned an online community's spirit into a tangible celebration. His aim was to shift the focus from the industry's public-facing achievements to the intricate, behind-the-scenes efforts that make them possible. This inaugural ceremony not only provided a moment of recognition but also served as a powerful statement about the future leadership of Hollywood, emphasizing that today's assistants are tomorrow's decision-makers.
Warner Bailey initiated the AvA Awards just three months prior, aiming to honor assistants who excel both in their professional duties and in their community involvement. The "Assistant of the Year" awards saw over a thousand nominations, reflecting the widespread desire for recognition within the industry. These accolades were determined by the Assistants vs. Agents team, showcasing a peer and boss-driven appreciation. Bailey's intention was to create an event that celebrated the "infrastructure" of Hollywood – the junior executives, coordinators, and assistants – rather than just the visible talent. This unique approach not only honored their hard work but also integrated a charitable component, with all proceeds benefiting various organizations, including the Bee Kind Project, a foundation dedicated to two assistants tragically lost. Bailey's long-term vision is to establish the AvA Awards as an annual tradition, continually celebrating the unsung heroes who are poised to shape the future of the entertainment world.