The Hollywood Reporter recently convened the elite of Los Angeles’ real estate agents, celebrating their unparalleled achievements at the sixth annual L.A. Power Broker Awards. Held on a Wednesday evening within the exclusive confines of a sprawling 5.5-acre off-market estate in Bel-Air, the event underscored the significant influence and competitive nature of the region’s luxury property market. The esteemed gathering recognized the brokers who consistently navigate high-stakes transactions, shaping the landscape of one of the world’s most coveted real estate destinations.
Recognizing Excellence in Los Angeles Real Estate
The Power Broker Awards serve as a prominent benchmark for success in the Los Angeles real estate sector, a market renowned for its unique blend of celebrity cachet, architectural diversity, and global appeal. Presented by The Society Group and coinciding with Sotheby’s International Realty’s 50th anniversary, the event highlighted the industry’s top performers. Selection for the awards is meticulously overseen by The Hollywood Reporter’s editors, who evaluate candidates based on stringent criteria including year-over-year sales volume and the prestige of properties listed and sold. This rigorous process ensures that only the most impactful and influential Los Angeles real estate agents receive recognition, solidifying their status within a highly competitive field. The awards closely followed the publication of THR’s highly anticipated "37 Top L.A. Real Estate Brokers of 2026 list," which sets the stage for the industry’s annual accolades.
Sponsorship for this year’s prestigious ceremony was provided by leading names in luxury real estate and related services, including Sotheby’s International Realty, The Rider Residences Miami, and Provenance Record. These partnerships reflect the intertwined nature of high-end property sales, exclusive development projects, and sophisticated record-keeping, all essential components of the luxury market ecosystem. The collaboration with The Hollywood Reporter further amplifies the visibility of these top-tier professionals, connecting their business acumen with the cultural narrative of Hollywood.
An Evening of Sophistication in Bel-Air
The Antelo View Estate, a magnificent off-market property held by Sotheby’s International Realty, provided a quintessential Bel-Air backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Dozens of the city’s top sellers mingled across the estate’s expansive grounds, enjoying cocktails and artisanal gelato on the guest house terrace. The ambiance was enhanced by the elegant strains of a live harpist, providing a refined soundtrack to the networking and camaraderie among industry leaders. Attendees also had the opportunity to capture the moment in a dedicated portrait studio, a testament to the event’s blend of professional recognition and social engagement.
As twilight settled over the sprawling estate, guests transitioned to the meticulously manicured gardens for the formal awards ceremony. Alexander Ali of The Society Group initiated the proceedings with an introductory address, setting a tone of celebration and mutual respect among competitors. He was followed by Cristian David, Senior Vice President and Brokerage Manager at Sotheby’s International Realty, who offered profound insights into the evolution of luxury real estate.
Sotheby’s International Realty: Five Decades of Luxury
Cristian David’s address resonated with many in attendance, as he reflected on Sotheby’s International Realty’s remarkable five-decade journey in the global luxury market. He emphasized that true luxury transcends mere price points, asserting that it is "defined by discretion, perspective, and the ability to create meaningful connections across cultures, markets, and generations." This philosophy underpins the enduring success of the brand and its agents.
David further elaborated on the company’s forward-looking vision, stating, "As we look forward to the next 50 years, our focus remains clear: to honor our legacy without being limited by it, to embrace innovation while preserving the distinctly human qualities that make this business so special." He concluded by commending the evening’s honorees, declaring them to be the embodiment of this future, "setting new standards, shaping the culture of our industry and proving that the most enduring form of influence is excellence." His words highlighted the continuous need for adaptation and human connection in an ever-changing industry, even as technology and market dynamics evolve.
Celebrating Philanthropy and Iconic Portfolios
Eight distinct awards were presented throughout the evening, each acknowledging a unique facet of success within the competitive Los Angeles luxury real estate landscape. Cindy Ambuehl of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California received the Philanthropic Impact Award, recognized for her unwavering commitment to community support. In her acceptance speech, Ambuehl spoke passionately about aiding "our beautiful Palisades community," emphasizing the collective effort to provide comfort, hope, and reassurance to those in need. Her dedication underscores a growing trend among top brokers to leverage their influence for social good.
Ernie Carswell of Sotheby’s International Realty was honored with the Celebrity Property Portfolio award, a testament to his expertise in handling high-profile estates. His notable transactions included the sale of the Raquel Welch estate and listings for the former residences of Cary Grant and Cecil B. DeMille (the latter for Angelina Jolie). Carswell’s work epitomizes the unique demands and opportunities present in Hollywood’s exclusive circles. Addressing his peers, Carswell lauded Los Angeles as "the greatest city in America to work in real estate," citing its unparalleled diversity in property styles, topography, and natural beauty. He expressed deep gratitude for the privilege of operating in such a dynamic and picturesque environment, acknowledging the unique camaraderie among top Los Angeles real estate agents.
Team of the Year: A Billion-Dollar Success Story
The evening’s most anticipated honor, Team of the Year, was bestowed upon Branden and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates. The duo’s staggering $1.6 billion in sales in 2025 cemented their position as titans in the ultra-luxury market. Accepting the prestigious award, Rayni Williams shared a piece of wisdom from Saeed Nourmand of Nourmand & Associates, who advised them early in their careers: "There’s a buyer’s market, there’s a seller’s market, and there’s a salesperson’s market, and it’s always a salesperson’s market." She emphasized the importance of relentless dedication, stating, "for everything we’ve been through, with all the trials and tribulations of Los Angeles and personal times, hardships — you just keep selling, and I think that’s the key."
Branden Williams echoed his partner’s sentiments, adding a call for unity and continued effort within the industry. "Let’s keep working together as a team, let’s keep closing deals and let’s keep fighting the good fight," he urged. He concluded with a heartfelt tribute to Rayni, describing her as his "most beautiful team member that inspires me every single day," and expressed a desire for their successful journey together to continue indefinitely. Their remarks highlighted the blend of individual drive, strategic partnership, and industry collaboration essential for achieving such monumental success in LA real estate.
Broader Implications for the Luxury Market
The Power Broker Awards not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also offer a vital snapshot of the health and direction of the luxury real estate market in Los Angeles. The consistently high sales volumes, even amidst evolving economic conditions, signal a robust demand for premium properties from a diverse pool of high-net-worth individuals, including tech moguls, entertainment industry executives, and international investors. The recognition of categories like "Philanthropic Impact" and "Agent of Historic Architecture" reflects a growing emphasis on social responsibility and the preservation of cultural heritage within the industry.
The event underscores the enduring importance of personal connections, discretion, and a deep understanding of market nuances in facilitating multi-million and multi-billion dollar transactions. In a city where property is often intertwined with celebrity status and cultural influence, the expertise of these leading real estate professionals extends beyond mere sales figures to include reputation management and strategic advisory. The awards affirm that while the market is dynamic and ever-changing, fundamental principles of excellence, integrity, and relentless client focus remain paramount.
A Look at All Honorees
The complete list of this year’s Los Angeles Power Broker Awards winners showcases the breadth of talent driving the market:
- Team of the Year: Branden and Rayni Williams (The Beverly Hills Estates)
- Philanthropic Impact Award: Cindy Ambuehl (Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California)
- Agent of Historic Architecture: Lea Porter (The Beverly Hills Estates)
- Condo Sale of the Year: Linda May (Carolwood Estates) and Blair Chang (The Agency)
- Media Maverick: James Harris (Carolwood Estates)
- Stratospheric Sale of the Year: Chris Cortazzo (Compass)
- Celebrity Property Portfolio: Ernie Carswell (Sotheby’s International Realty)
- Rising Star: Amir Ensani (formerly Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California, currently The Beverly Hills Estates)
These accolades not only celebrate past accomplishments but also serve as a powerful motivator for continued innovation and excellence among top real estate agents in one of the world’s most dynamic markets. The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Broker Awards remain a critical event, spotlighting the individuals and teams who define the pinnacle of luxury real estate in Los Angeles and beyond.
