Fourth in a series of interviews with individuals who work to make the Golden Globes show happen.

It takes a village to produce The Golden Globes, otherwise known as “The Party of the Year,” celebrating the best in film and television and aired in more than 185 countries.  The show kicks off award season every January, and the City of Beverly Hills, with its glamour and prestige, is as integral to the event (aired on CBS and Paramount Plus) as the celebrities who walk the red carpet.

Julie Wagner, CEO of Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau, has witnessed the evolution of the show over the 14 years she’s held her current position and before that, when she helped launch the Waldorf Astoria brand.

“The Golden Globe Awards is a legacy for the Beverly Hills community and we’re very honored to have it.  It’s been held at the Beverly Hilton since 1961 and, as you know, anything that lasts for that kind of time frame is rare.  The cache is incredible, so the idea of having one of the world’s most important award shows in our city couldn’t be a better fit.  This event held in Beverly Hills ties so much into the foundation of our marketing platform, as does the iconography.”

The synergy between the glamour of Beverly Hills and celebrities is an obvious fit.  Wagner adds,  “Our city is well known for celebrity content, whether it be celebrities who live here, shop here, dine here, and now they get to celebrate each other in a city they are very familiar with regardless of whether they live here or just visit here on a regular basis,” she says. “And the fact that the show is held in one of the most iconic locations, at the end of the day, it’s really an honor to celebrate that.”

Despite the temporary inconveniences, such as the closure of local streets to accommodate guests arriving at the Hilton on the day of the show, the community’s spirit remains unwavering. Their support and enthusiasm for The Golden Globe Awards, a significant event for the city, is a testament to their strong community spirit.

“The city is a small community, and we try to support whatever business comes here — everybody understands the socio-economic impact the show’s effect has on the vitality of Beverly Hills and, certainly, its global brand positioning.  The city partners closely with the Hilton and Dick Clark Productions, and everything is really streamlined. All parties concerned have a sensitive ear in terms of what it takes to put on a show.”

Although Wagner is a longtime fixture of Beverly Hills, come January 5, she is just as excited as the 16 million-plus viewers at home. “Part of it is the fashion, of course, and knowing that much of what the stars are wearing comes from our local couture houses, and that’s always fun to see.”

Wagner is no less enthusiastic about it as she was as a child growing up in the San Fernando Valley.  “Every year, it’s really interesting to see the changes they’ve made to make it relevant to the current times and how they overlay aspects to appeal to the next generation.”