Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

From Left: Kumail Nanjiani, Sterling K. Brown, Ryan Michelle Bathe, and Diane Kruger.

On the evening of November 2, IndieWire — the definitive outlet for creative independence in film and TV — launched its inaugural IndieWire Honors, aimed at celebrating six of the biggest names in entertainment with an event in Los Angeles. Selected by IndieWire’s editorial team, the first-ever honorees are familiar names on the cusp of even greater success, including James Franco, Issa Rae, Diane Kruger, Mary J. Blige, Sterling K. Brown, and Kumail Nanjiani.

“For more than 20 years, IndieWire has celebrated the fresh talent who help advance unique and original storytelling,” said IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris. “This event highlights the best and brightest who remain true to their voice.”

Get a taste of the event with an inside look at all the honorees who took part in the first-ever IndieWire Honors. Here’s to many more.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Issa Rae, Abbi Jacobson, Sterling K. Brown, Mary J. Blige, and Diane Kruger meet and greet on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon arrive on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Mary J. Blige on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

“The Florida Project” star Bria Vinaite arrives on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Issa Rae arrives on the red carpet. 

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Abbi Jacobson arrives on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honorees Sterling K. Brown, James Franco, and Kumail Nanjiani on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Dave Franco arrives on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Dave Franco and honoree James Franco on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

“Mudbound” director Dee Rees on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Diane Kruger arrives on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Abbi Jacobson and Sterling K. Brown on the red carpet. 

Indiewire Honors, Arrivals, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Issa Rae, Abbi Jacobson, Mary J. Blige, and Diane Kruger on the red carpet.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Emily Gordon, Kumail Nanjiani, IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris, and David Bridson at IndieWire Honors.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honorees Sterling K. Brown and Kumail Nanjiani.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

“Mr. Mercedes” star Breeda Wool and guest.

Mary J. Blige and Dee Rees at IndieWire Honors

Mary J. Blige and Dee Rees at IndieWire Honors.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Host Nick Thune at IndieWire Honors.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Abbi Jacobson accepting an award at IndieWire Honors.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree James Franco.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Sterling K. Brown.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Issa Rae.

shutterstock_9187189bs1

Honoree Mary J. Blige.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Kumail Nanjiani.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Diane Kruger.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Left: IndieWire Editor in Chief Dana Harris and Publisher James Israel.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree James Franco.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Issa Rae.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Sterling K. Brown.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honoree Mary J. Blige.

Indiewire Honors, Inside, Los Angeles, USA – 02 Nov 2017

Honorees James Franco and Diane Kruger.