GQ splits Men of the Year awards across three Los Angeles nights

Condé Nast’s GQ magazine is breaking its annual Men of the Year program into three separate Los Angeles events this month. This marks the most extensive rollout in the history of the franchise. The shift aims to provide more room to recognize creative achievements and emerging talent.

Adam Baidawi, who became global editorial director in February 2026, is leading the initiative. He took the role after Will Welch departed for a position in Paris with Pharrell Williams. Baidawi has assembled high-profile co-hosts for the 31st installment of the series. Chris Rock, Andrew Garfield, and Matt Damon will anchor the events, corresponding to their roles in the films Misty Green, Artificial, and The Odyssey.

The program will also honor specific contributors to the year's cultural output. Denis Villeneuve will receive the director of the year award for Dune: Part Three. Michael Rider of Celine will be named designer of the year. These recipients will join the co-hosts across a series of gatherings spanning entertainment, fashion, and the arts.

The schedule opens on November 10 at the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. The evening includes a champagne reception for Villeneuve and a live recording of the GQ One More Question interview series. Senior special projects editor Zach Baron will conduct the interview. The night concludes with a VIP screening of Dune: Part Two, offering an early look at the film before its December 18 release.

On November 11, the magazine will host a Breakouts house party at the Sheats-Goldstein Residence. This event celebrates the 13 Breakouts of 2026, a list of rising names in film, television, music, comedy, and podcasting. GQ will publish the full roster on its website on November 9, giving readers a preview of the attendees.

The final event takes place on November 12 at the Chateau Marmont. The night begins with an intimate dinner for the cover stars, featuring filmed toasts from special guests. Following dessert, the gathering transitions into the main Men of the Year party. The event is expected to draw VIPs from the entertainment, fashion, sports, and culture industries.

Baidawi told The Hollywood Reporter that the honorees delivered extraordinary performances that defined the cultural conversation of 2026. He stated the magazine wanted to match that creative ambition with a new approach. He described the three-event format as a brand new chapter that provides space to celebrate the work and introduce the next wave of talent.