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.

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

Kumail Nanjiani and Emily Gordon arrive on the red carpet.

Honoree Mary J. Blige on the red carpet.

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

Honoree Issa Rae arrives on the red carpet. 

Abbi Jacobson arrives on the red carpet.

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

Dave Franco arrives on the red carpet.

Dave Franco and honoree James Franco on the red carpet.

“Mudbound” director Dee Rees on the red carpet.

Honoree Diane Kruger arrives on the red carpet.

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

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

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

Honorees Sterling K. Brown and Kumail Nanjiani.

“Mr. Mercedes” star Breeda Wool and guest.

Mary J. Blige and Dee Rees at IndieWire Honors.

Host Nick Thune at IndieWire Honors.

Abbi Jacobson accepting an award at IndieWire Honors.

Honoree James Franco.

Honoree Sterling K. Brown.

Honoree Issa Rae.

Honoree Mary J. Blige.

Honoree Kumail Nanjiani.

Honoree Diane Kruger.

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

Honoree James Franco.

Honoree Issa Rae.

Honoree Sterling K. Brown.

Honoree Mary J. Blige.

Honorees James Franco and Diane Kruger.