Some of the biggest music stars of 2023 gathered Saturday at Nya West in Hollywood, Calif., for the seventh annual Variety Hitmakers Brunch, which honored the stars and behind-the-scenes players involved in the 25 most-consumed songs of the year, as measured by Luminate.
SZA was honored as hitmaker of the year; Billie Eilish and Finneas were honored with film song of the year for “What Was I Made For?” from the Barbie soundtrack; Olivia Rodrigo was honored as storyteller of the year; boygenius were group of the year; Ashley Gorley was songwriter of the year; Eslabon Armado got collaboration of the year for “Ella Baila Sola” with Peso Pluma; Maren Morris was changemaker of the year; Mark Ronson accepted soundtrack of the year for Barbie: The Album; Metro Boomin was producer of the year; Victoria Monét accepted the triple threat award; Sabrina Carpenter received the rising star award; and Terrence “Punch” Henderson was executive of the year.
While presenting the soundtrack of the year prize to Ronson, Barbie star Ryan Gosling explained exactly what the film’s music did for his oft-overlooked character. “Up until six months ago, the entire world gave zero f—s about Ken,” Gosling said. “He was just this 70-year-old crotchless doll with no house, no car, no job and no voice — and look at him now! He has a Grammy-nominated power ballad and the voice of an angel. What happened? It’s simple. He met Mark Ronson, and his life changed forever. But he wasn’t the first and he won’t be the last — he’s just the latest in the long line of those who Mark has lent his creativity, generosity and infinite talent to synthesize their essence into music.”
Below, find photos from the 2023 Variety Hitmakers Brunch.
