Gurus Magazine founder and publisher Derek Warburton hosted the inaugural Gurus Awards at the SLS Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Beverly Hills, on Sunday, November 10, celebrating industry leaders in beauty, wellness, and lifestyle. Rachel Wilson served as executive producer of the event. The exquisite space was home to an Emily in Paris-inspired theme, a nod to the popular Netflix series known for its chic and sophisticated portrayal of Parisian life. The night welcomed guests with complimentary spirits, desserts, light bites, unique installations, and vibrant decor.
The Gurus 2024 Awards celebrated trailblazers transforming the world through their commitment to transparency, purpose, and passion in their respective fields. The award show was filled with inspiring moments. Niecy Nash-Betts (Reno 911!, Grotesquerie) and her wife, recording artist Jessica Betts, were there to present Princess Märtha Louise of Norway and her husband, Shaman Durek Verrett, with an honorary award.
The evening honored several outstanding individuals with awards recognizing their contributions to various fields. Shanola Hampton (Found) presented the Humanitarian Visionary Award to Jennifer Howell, while Lisa Vidal (Being Mary Jane) awarded Nancy Davis the Lifetime Achievement Award. Other notable presentations included the Empowerment Trailblazer of the Year Award to Mara Dorne by Katie Ginella (RHOC) and the Business Visionary Award to Michael Lukacs presented by Gleb Savchenko (DWTS). A special honorary award was also given to Dr. Michael Newman, who received the Innovation in Surgery Award from Cynthia Bailey (RHOA). The ceremony highlighted the impact of each honoree in reshaping their industries and empowering others.
Hollywood First Look spoke with Real Housewives of Orange County star Katie Ginella on the black carpet before the award show. “Derek is always kind and inclusive,” Ginella said about the Gurus founder. “Everything he does is philanthropic. He’s like a guiding light for doing kind things. “Giving awards to people who are doing good makes others want to do good,” she added.
Patrik Simpson and Pol’ Atteu, hosts of the number one fashion podcast UNDRESSED and stars of Prime Video’s Gown and Out in Beverly Hills, who were there to surprise photographer Josh Fogel with the Lens of Inclusion Award, also spoke with Hollywood First Look before the show. Warburton selected them as the only couple to appear on the magazine cover during Gurus’ #30Voices30Days, an initiative that amplifies diverse voices in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle industries.
“Gurus is taking off,” Patrik pointed out. “It’s a great magazine and I’m excited to be a part of it.” Patrik and Pol detailed what it was like having Warburton on their podcast. “Getting into such depth with Derek, identifying the classic nature he comes from, the different ways that he’s lived [all these] lives, to know that he’s created a world that we can share in and be a part of, it’s amazing,” Pol said. “We love being a part of what our friends created and to give back to support as much as we can.”
Once inside, immersive installations added a special je ne sais quoi to the celebration. Displays included Lauren Falcione’s The Blonde Italian installation, live art by Joey DeRuy, and Freshy Shoes led by Scott Willman. The Alexis Project with Billy Ray Brewton offered a meaningful look into diversity, equity, and inclusion in health, while Deborah Sawaf’s The Power of Words exhibit encouraged reflection on language and expression.
Londubh Studio created custom backdrops for the VIP section while award-winning photographer Josh Fogel set up his Luxury in Style Photo Studio for guests to enjoy. Event producer Marley Majcher (The Party Goddess) invited partygoers to create a custom bouquet as they indulged in decadent patisseries by Bottega Louie. Other standout sponsors included Bentley of Beverly Hills and Golden Eagle Vodka.
The night also recognized brands for excellence in beauty and wellness, with awards for categories such as Best in Hair (Saints & Sinners Haircare), Best of Clean (Corsica Scents), and Best of Sustainability (True Botanicals). Guests left with exclusive gift bags featuring luxury items from top brands including Grande Lash Cosmetics, O Hui, Kevin Murphy, Purlisse, Saints & Sinners, Peter Thomas Roth, Skin Wand Pro, Dr. Groot, Golden Eagle Vodka, Yensa, The Blonde Italian aprons, and Freshy products. It was a fitting tribute to the elegance and quality that the Gurus 2024 Awards represents.
“I am overwhelmed by the support from my community,” said Warburton. “I have lived my life in service and have admired so many of our recipients for years, and I created the Gurus Awards to celebrate the incredible forces I am so blessed to be surrounded by. Every recipient this year is sewn together by a common thread. The grit to never give up. Whether you are a royal princess or a broke kid now sending medical teams to space, everyone had that laser focus to keep going to achieve great goals.”
Additional attendees included Selling Sunset stars Mary and Romain Bonnet, Kearran Giovanni (Major Crimes, Homestead), and Hollywood Beauty Guru Robyn Newmark.
Here’s a complete list of honorees from the night:
- Shanola Hampton (Found) presented Jennifer Howell (The Art of Elysium) with the Humanitarian Visionary Award.
- Lisa Vidal (Being Mary Jane) presented Nancy Davis (Humanitarian) with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
- Niecy Nash-Betts (Actress) and Jessica Betts (Recording Artist) presented Princess Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek Verrett with an honorary award.
- Katie Ginella (Real Housewives of Orange County) presented Mara Dorne (Speaker) with the Empowerment Trailblazer of the Year Award.
- Gleb Savchenko (Dancing With The Stars) presented Michael Lukacs (Entrepreneur) with the Business Visionary Award.
- Marcel Vigneron (24 in 24: Last Chef Standing) presented Lauren Falcione (Entrepreneur) with Culinary Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Robyn Newmark (Hollywood Beauty Guru) and Kathleen Francesca (Entrepreneur) recapped the Wellness & Beauty Awards.
- Cynthia Bailey (Real Housewives of Atlanta) presented Dr. Michael Newman (Plastic Surgeon) with the Innovation in Surgery Award.
- Mary and Romain Bonnet (Selling Sunset) presented Kathleen Francesca (Entrepreneur) with the Wellness Entrepreneur of the Year.
- Nicholas Pritzker (Investor) presented Dr. Astrid Heger (The Alexis Project) with the Health Vanguard of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion award.
- Dr. Sandra Lee (Dr. Pimple Popper) was presented with the Social Media Star of the Year Award and sent a video acceptance.
- Patrik Simpson and Pol’ Atteu (Amazon’s Gown & Out) presented Josh Fogel (Photographer) with the Lens of Inclusion Award.
Beauty Awards:
- Best in Hair: Saints & Sinners Haircare
- Best of Clean: Corsica Scents
- Best of Sustainability: True Botanicals
- Best of Skin: AlumierMD
- Best in Tech & Tools: Skin Wand Pro
- Best in Design: Neon Hippie
- Best in the Business: Joel Sebastian
