The opening of the GQ Global Creativity Awards in New York brought a star-studded mix of talent and style, with a powerful trio of guests taking the spotlight on the red carpet. Actresses Jung Ho-young, Hannah Waddingham, and Zazie Beetz greeted photographers as they arrived, each bringing a distinct personal flair to the evening that underscored the awards’ mission: celebrate originality across a broad spectrum of creative fields.
The Squid Game breakout star made a striking entrance in a flowing black strapless gown by Louis Vuitton. The dress featured a corset-inspired bodice, and its shimmering gold and silver floral embroidery caught the light with every step, creating a silhouette that felt both dramatic and refined. The look balanced bold silhouette with delicate ornamentation, signaling a modern take on classic couture that aligns with the awards’ celebration of fearless creativity.
Hannah Waddingham commanded attention in a black feathered dress that moved with kinetic energy as she walked. The texture and depth provided by the feather details offered a regal, cinematic presence, complementing the evening’s emphasis on artistry and storytelling through fashion. Zazie Beetz offered a contrasting palette with a green velvet draped gown, its luxurious fabric catching color in different lights and lending an ambiance of rich texture to the lineup of attendees.
The GQ Global Creativity Awards recognize individuals who push boundaries across professions, including technology, music, and acting. This year’s honorees highlighted the intersection of innovation and artistic expression, illustrating how creative leadership can emerge from diverse corners of society. Among the luminaries acknowledged for their contributions was Tim Cook, the head of Apple, whose inclusion underscored the event’s commitment to honoring technology pioneers who influence culture and commerce alike.
Will Welch, the editor-in-chief of GQ, described the Creativity Awards as a platform to honor a new and highly contemporary version of creativity. He emphasized that the program aims to spotlight pioneers who blend originality with influence, shaping how audiences engage with culture in the digital age. The remarks positioned the awards as a forward-looking event, inviting viewers to see creativity as a dynamic force that spans fields and national borders.
As the evening unfolded, attendees observed a landscape of creative leadership that mirrors the world’s evolving tastes and technologies. The fashion choices reflected personal storytelling as much as public recognition, with designers and stylists collaborating to present looks that speak to character, confidence, and a shared celebration of inventive spirit. The event demonstrated how fashion can serve as a visual shorthand for the era’s cultural conversations, from storytelling through performance to the disciplined craft of product design and media innovation.
In this moment of cross-disciplinary celebration, the GQ Global Creativity Awards underscored the idea that creativity travels beyond one industry. The gathering of actors, tech leaders, and artists illustrated a broader cultural trend: when diverse talents converge, new ideas emerge, paving the way for collaborations that push projects from concept to impact. The ceremony’s emphasis on inclusive recognition encouraged emerging talents to see creativity as a shared journey, where collaboration and risk-taking lead to meaningful, lasting influence.
Ultimately, the event highlighted not only individual achievement but the broader ecosystem that sustains creative progress. By shining a light on people who continuously redefine what is possible, the GQ Global Creativity Awards reinforce the notion that imagination—paired with skill and entrepreneurial spirit—can shape the next wave of culture, technology, and storytelling for audiences around the world.