GQ splits Men of the Year into three Los Angeles events

GQ is abandoning its single-night tradition for the Men of the Year award ceremony, instead hosting three separate events in Los Angeles this month. This structural change marks the largest scale for the franchise, which is entering its 31st year. The shift is driven by a desire to give more attention to the recipients and to include a wider range of emerging talent in the celebrations.

Adam Baidawi, the global editorial director who took office in February 2026, is overseeing the new format. He assumed the role after Will Welch departed for a position in Paris with Pharrell Williams. Baidawi has assembled a group of high-profile co-hosts for the 2026 honorees: Chris Rock, Andrew Garfield, and Matt Damon. Their roles align with their respective film projects, Misty Green, Artificial, and The Odyssey.

The honor extends beyond the cover stars to specific professional categories. Denis Villeneuve will receive the director of the year title for his work on Dune: Part Three. Michael Rider of Celine will be named the designer of the year. These awards will be distributed across the three scheduled gatherings, which span entertainment, fashion, and the arts.

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

On November 11, the focus shifts to rising talent at the Sheats-Goldstein Residence. The magazine will host a Breakouts house party to honor its 13 Breakouts of 2026. This list includes new names in film, television, music, comedy, and podcasting. The full roster is set to be published on GQ.com on November 9, providing a preview of the individuals to be recognized at the residence.

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

Baidawi told The Hollywood Reporter that the expansion was necessary to match the quality of this year's recipients. He stated that the honorees delivered extraordinary performances that shaped the cultural conversation of 2026. The director described the three-event format as a new chapter that allows the magazine to celebrate the work, explore the ideas behind it, and introduce the next wave of talent to the public.