Los Angeles, CA - Variety's annual Hitmakers Brunch took place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Nya Studios in Los Angeles, celebrating the past year's breakthrough successes in music. The event honored a diverse group of artists, producers, and executives, many of whom are also nominated for the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards.

Rosé was recognized as the Global Hitmaker of the Year. The singing voices behind HUNTR/X, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, were jointly honored as KPop Demon Hitmakers of the Year. Tate McRae received the Powerhouse of the Year award, while Addison Rae was celebrated alongside Elvira Anderfjärd and Luka Kloser with The Future Is Female Award. Tyler, The Creator, was lauded as the Innovator of the Decade. Alex Warren was named Breakthrough of the Year.

Sounwave, Mustard, and Jack Antonoff were recognized as Producers of the Year, while Megan Moroney was awarded Storyteller of the Year and BigXThaPlug was named Hip-Hop Disruptor of the Year. Executive of the Year went to Elliot Grainge. Sabrina Carpenter was named Hitmaker of the Year. Buddy Guy was honored as a Living Legend and for Iconic Collaboration in Film Award. The Marías received the Anti-Hit Hitmakers of the Year award, Republic Records was named Label of the Year, and Riot Games received the Interactive Music in Media Award. Role Model was celebrated as Triple Threat of the Year, Fuerza Regida as Humanitarians of the Year, and Big Loud: Seth England, Joey Moi, Craig Wiseman received the Platinum Decade Award.

In addition to the honorees, the event was attended by a host of other notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Melanie Martinez, Laufey, Sofia Richie, Jake Shane, Miles Caton, Rome Flynn, Ty Dolla Sign, Jimmy Jam, Jordan Davis, Ben Platt, Madison Beer, Bella Poarch, Kim Woo-sung, and Diane Warren.

The Variety Hitmakers event continues to be a key date in the music industry calendar, bringing together established stars and emerging talents to celebrate the year's biggest achievements.