Source: Jerritt Clark/Getty
Lee Daniels and Lena Waithe was among those present at the famous event held in Los Angeles at its end Black Music Month.
Last Friday (June 28), the Beverly Hills Hilton in Los Angeles, California, was the venue for the Innovators and Leaders Awards Brunch, hosted by the esteemed Culture Makers Foundation. The nonprofit group's flagship event was a fundraising brunch for its mission to be a platform to recognize and salute those who make significant contributions to the culture, business and entertainment industries. It was marked by the appearance of some notable personalities, including director Lee Daniels and producer and director Lena Waithe, who were on hand to present the awards. BET was the main sponsor of the event along with Möet Hennessy, Lexus and Rap Snacks.
![Culture Creators Leaders & Innovators Awards Brunch](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/07/17200409958641.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
![Culture Creators Leaders & Innovators Awards Brunch](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/07/17200409958641.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
Source: Jerritt Clark/Getty
Journalist and NAACP Image Award nominee Gia Peppers served as host for the sprawling event, which opened with “The Collective Conversation,” a discussion between rapper and actor Joey Bada$$ and political strategist Quentin James about ways with which the community can be more politically informed and engaged, emphasizing voting and advocacy for more diversity and increased Black employment. Following a performance by Roc Nation's notable R&B group, Infinity Song, actress and singer Teyana Taylor was surprised by Waithe to present her with the Innovator of the Year Award, providing an emotional moment for all in attendance.
![Culture Creators Leaders & Innovators Awards Brunch](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/07/17200400060521.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
![Culture Creators Leaders & Innovators Awards Brunch](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/07/17200400060521.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
Source: Jerritt Clark/Getty
A similar moment happened as a CAA agent and board member Laurie Bartlett she was presented with the ICON Award by her on-stage friend Daniels. “I've had an incredible run and I feel so proud and lucky when I think about everything I've achieved so far. Here's the truth: most of the time, you have to make your own luck. The path to success is not the same for everyone,” Bartlett told the audience. Other guests at the brunch included former honoree LA Reid, Andra Day, Regina King, Omarion, Debra Lee, YK Osiris, Alex Isley, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Pretty Vee, Trevor Jackson, Elijah Blake, Estelle, Cory Hardrict, designer Karl Kani, Flau'Jae, Jasper Hagen and Jessica Betts.
![Culture Creators: 8th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/07/17200400287591.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
![Culture Creators: 8th Annual Innovators & Leaders Awards](https://hiphopwired.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/43/2024/07/17200400287591.jpg?w=1024&strip=all&quality=85)
Source: Johnny Nunez/Getty