The Hollywood Reporter convened a distinguished gathering of Los Angeles’ premier real estate agents on Wednesday evening, transforming the breathtaking Antelo View Estate in Bel-Air into the venue for its sixth annual L.A. Power Broker Awards. This esteemed event, presented in partnership with The Society Group and coinciding with Sotheby’s International Realty’s 50th anniversary, served as a celebratory capstone to THR’s recently published "37 Top L.A. Real Estate Brokers of 2026" list. The awards, meticulously curated by THR editors based on year-over-year sales performance and the caliber of properties handled, were proudly sponsored by Sotheby’s International Realty, The Rider Residences Miami, and Provenance Record.
A Night of Recognition Amidst Bel-Air Splendor
The Antelo View Estate, a sprawling 5.5-acre property in Bel-Air with an off-market listing managed by Sotheby’s International Realty, provided a picturesque backdrop for the evening’s festivities. Dozens of the city’s top real estate producers converged at the estate, networking and celebrating amidst the elegant surroundings of the guest house and its expansive terrace. Attendees were treated to refreshments, including artisanal gelato, while the melodic strains of a harpist filled the air during the cocktail hour. A dedicated portrait studio captured memorable moments for the attending agents, offering a brief respite before the formal awards ceremony commenced. The transition to the estate’s meticulously landscaped grounds marked the beginning of the awards presentation, with an introductory address delivered by Alexander Ali of The Society Group, followed by remarks from Cristian David, Senior VP and Brokerage Manager at Sotheby’s International Realty.
Sotheby’s International Realty Reflects on Legacy and Future
Cristian David of Sotheby’s International Realty seized the opportunity to reflect on the company’s remarkable five-decade journey. He articulated a vision for the future of luxury real estate, stating, "While the world of real estate continues to evolve, the true luxury has never been defined by a price point alone. It is defined by discretion, perspective and the ability to create meaningful connections across the cultures, markets and generations." David further elaborated on the company’s forward-looking strategy: "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. Tonight’s honorees embody that future; they are setting new standards, shaping the culture of our industry and proving that the most enduring form of influence is excellence." His words underscored the enduring values of trust, client relationships, and market insight that continue to define success in the high-stakes Los Angeles real estate landscape.
Honoring Excellence Across Diverse Categories
The awards ceremony recognized outstanding achievements across eight distinct categories, highlighting the breadth of talent and specialization within the Los Angeles real estate market. Cindy Ambuehl of Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California was honored with the Philanthropic Impact Award, acknowledging her significant contributions to the Palisades community. In her acceptance speech, Ambuehl emphasized her commitment to providing support and hope to those affected by local challenges, stating, "our beautiful Palisades community; we have all been out there doing everything we can to provide comfort to that community, give them hope, reassurance that we’re there for them and that all surrounds community."
Ernie Carswell of Sotheby’s International Realty received the award for Celebrity Property Portfolio, a testament to his expertise in managing high-profile estates. His notable transactions include the sale of the Raquel Welch estate and listings for the former estates of Hollywood icons Cary Grant and Cecil B. DeMille, representing Angelina Jolie. Carswell expressed his deep appreciation for the Los Angeles market, declaring, "This is the greatest city in America to work in real estate for the reasons we all know, and it’s a privilege. I don’t think there’s any city in the world I would work in." He further elaborated on the unique appeal of the city, noting, "Look at what we get to see and sell. And this is the only city I’ve been to around the world that has so much diversity of property styles, topography, the oceans here, the mountains here. We all know it, and it’s just a real great privilege to work among all of you."
The Pinnacle of Achievement: Team of the Year
The evening culminated with the presentation of the highly coveted Team of the Year award to Branden and Rayni Williams of The Beverly Hills Estates. Their exceptional performance in 2025, marked by a staggering $1.6 billion in sales, solidified their position at the forefront of the industry. In their acceptance speech, Rayni Williams shared a poignant piece of advice from Saeed Nourmand of Nourmand & Associates, which has guided 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.’ So 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 this sentiment, expressing gratitude for his partnership with Rayni and his team, stating, "Let’s keep working together as a team, let’s keep closing deals and let’s keep fighting the good fight. To my most beautiful team member [Rayni] that inspires me every single day, man, I never want this ride to end." Their words resonated with the audience, reflecting a spirit of resilience and dedication that defines success in the competitive Los Angeles market.
Broader Implications and Market Dynamics
The L.A. Power Broker Awards not only celebrate individual and team achievements but also offer a barometer for the health and direction of the Los Angeles luxury real estate market. The event highlights the continued strength and dynamism of this sector, driven by a unique blend of celebrity influence, global investment, and an ever-evolving demand for distinctive properties. The criteria for selection – year-over-year sales and the prestige of listed/sold properties – emphasize a commitment to both volume and quality, reflecting the sophisticated nature of transactions in this market.
The presence of multiple high-profile brokerages, including Sotheby’s International Realty, Christie’s International Real Estate, Compass, The Beverly Hills Estates, Carolwood, and The Agency, underscores the competitive yet collaborative ecosystem that characterizes Los Angeles real estate. The awards serve as a platform for these leading firms to showcase their top talent and reinforce their market dominance. Furthermore, the inclusion of categories like "Agent of Historic Architecture" and "Media Maverick" suggests a growing recognition of specialized expertise and innovative marketing strategies within the industry.
The continuous evolution of the real estate landscape, as alluded to by Cristian David, is further evidenced by the emergence of "Rising Star" awards, recognizing emerging talent poised to shape the future of the industry. The significant sales figures reported, such as the Williams’ $1.6 billion in sales, demonstrate the immense financial scale of the Los Angeles market. This sustained high performance indicates a robust demand for luxury properties, influenced by factors such as limited inventory, desirable climate, and the continued allure of Hollywood.
The event also subtly points to the importance of networking and industry camaraderie. The gathering of top agents from competing firms suggests that while the market is fiercely competitive, there’s also a shared understanding and mutual respect among professionals navigating its complexities. This collaborative spirit, combined with individual ambition and strategic acumen, is fundamental to the continued success of Los Angeles’ real estate elite. The Power Broker Awards, therefore, represent more than just an awards ceremony; they are a snapshot of an industry that consistently pushes boundaries, adapts to change, and sets new benchmarks for excellence in the global luxury real estate arena.
List of 2026 Los Angeles Power Broker Awards Winners:
- 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) and Blair Chang (The Agency)
- Media Maverick: James Harris (Carolwood)
- Stratospheric Sale of the Year: Chris Cortazzo (Compass)
- Celebrity Property Portfolio: Ernie Carswell (Sotheby’s International Realty)
- Rising Star: Amir Ensani (then Christie’s, currently The Beverly Hills Estates)
