On December 2nd, Variety hosted its seventh-annual Hitmakers celebration looking back at the year in music and recognizing the writers, producers, publishers, managers and executives who helped make—and break—the 25 most-consumed songs of the year, as measured by Luminate. Honorees in attendance included Ashley Gorley, Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, boygenius, Eslabon Armado, Maren Morris, Mark Ronson, Metro Boomin, Michael Sticka, Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, SZA, Terrence “Punch” Henderson, Victoria Monét, with presenters Babyface, Denise Colletta, Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, Ryan Gosling and St. Vincent.

At the event, Sony celebrated the recent launch of “For the Music” by showcasing its 360 Reality Audio immersive music experience with an exclusive listening lounge. “For the Music” focuses on putting creator vision over everything to benefit music fans and empowering artists through its premier audio products and services. CNB and H&M were premier partners of the event. Distilled from hand-harvested 100% Blue Weber Agave in Los Altos, the Highlands region of Jalisco, Espolòn’s award-winning tequilas were an official partner of Variety Hitmakers. Meta, Nissan Ariya, UMG and Sony Music Publishing were supporting partners.