It’s my first time attending the BOM Awards, and it won’t be the last. The event took place on December 7, 2024, and as someone born on 7/7, I couldn’t help but feel an extra spark of excitement. I’ve always been obsessed with everything linked to the number 7, and this evening certainly lived up to its magic.
On this special night, The London Hotel in West Hollywood transformed into a vibrant celebration of creativity as BreakOut Music (BOM) hosted its annual Beverly Hills Spirit of Independence Awards. Nestled near the iconic Whisky-a-Go-Go on the Sunset Strip, the event celebrated trailblazing talent in music, film, and media, showcasing the resilience and brilliance of independent artistry.
The night was packed with inspiring moments and electrifying entertainment, led by the hilarious and charismatic Cory Kahaney, renowned for her work on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and America’s Got Talent. The highlight of the evening was honoring the legendary Dewey Hughes with the prestigious Spirit of Independence Award.
Dewey Hughes, a pioneer in radio and television, was recognized for his transformative contributions to broadcasting and his commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices during the cultural revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s. As a 12-time Emmy Award winner, Hughes produced iconic shows like Rap with Petey Greene and Petey Greene’s Washington, which boldly addressed societal issues and reshaped the role of media in advocacy.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came when a clip from one of Hughes’ films was shown, featuring a character so nervous he vomited. In a case of life imitating art, Hughes himself had an anxiety attack moments before the clip was played. Reflecting on this, Miriam Bavly, co-founder of BOM, said, “The evening started with a clip of a film written by our honoree that showed a man so nervous he was vomiting, and right before it played, he had an anxiety attack.”
Hughes delivered a heartfelt speech that inspired the audience despite the initial nerves. “Media has the most impact when it challenges the norm and lifts up those who are overlooked,” he said, encouraging creators in the room to continue pushing boundaries.
BreakOut Music, founded in 2019 by Harvard graduate Miriam Bavly and entertainment lawyer-turned-producer Peter John, has rapidly established itself as a force in the media world. Bavly’s award-winning storytelling pairs seamlessly with John’s business and legal acumen, allowing the company to craft compelling content that resonates worldwide.
BOM’s influence extends beyond its acclaimed productions, including The App That Stole Christmas and The Drone That Saved Christmas. Their projects have been featured on platforms like Netflix, MTV, and BET, as well as their own streaming service, BOM PIC TV, which champions emerging and underrepresented creators. The company also supports independent Billboard-charting artists, providing a platform for fresh talent in competitive markets.
“The evening was truly amazing,” Bavly shared. “With incredible live performances like Gigi Vega’s Mistletoe Kiss and the razor-sharp humor of Cory Kahaney, we celebrated the brilliance of artists both on stage and behind the scenes.”
The awards also honored winners from the BreakOut Music Film Festival, whose work was screened in The London Hotel’s state-of-the-art theater and featured on BOM PIC TV. This perfectly aligns with BOM’s mission to uplift new creators and amplify voices that often go unheard.
“Through events like this, we aim to spotlight the talent that often goes unnoticed,” Bavly said. “We can’t let brilliant artists without marketing and funding fade away.”
Nominees and winners from around the world gathered to share ideas, celebrate their achievements, and discuss trends shaping the future of film and music.
As the night drew to a close, the Spirit of Independence Awards left me inspired by the sheer talent and dedication of independent creators. It wasn’t just an event; it was a celebration of resilience, artistry, and the power of storytelling. And with my personal connection to the number 7, this night felt destined to be unforgettable.
For more information about BOM and its initiatives, visit BOMfilmfestival.com or BreakOutMusic.com.
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