Austin, TX — SXSW 2026 closed on a high note Sunday, March 15, as Jane Owen Public Relations helped to host the MovieMaker Magazine Awards Night Celebration with its Editor in Chief Tim Molloy at The CinemaCenter takeover of Higbie’s in downtown Austin, an event that quickly became one of the defining social moments of the festival.
Presented in partnership with TBK Productions and sponsored by Hendrick’s Gin and Peroni, the evening brought together an impressive cross-section of actors, filmmakers, and industry insiders for a final night of connection, celebration, and release after an intense week of screenings and panels.
Tina Win set the tone for the night with a live performance of her newest single How to Be Cool, alongside high-energy tracks from her new EP. What began as a party quickly transformed into a full concert atmosphere, with guests filling the dance floor and staying there well into the early hours.
The crowd reflected the caliber of the event. Himesh Patel, known for Yesterday and Station Eleven, added immediate star power to a venue already at capacity. He was joined by Logan Miller, Jaime King, Medalion Rahimi, Sarah Yarkin, Jonathan Kite, and Kelley Jakle, alongside a strong presence of filmmakers, producers, and creatives marking the close of a standout festival week.
Yet the evening’s most memorable moment was one of pure nostalgia, carefully orchestrated behind the scenes by Jane Owen Public Relations. Joseph Marcell, beloved for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, reunited with Jimmy Akingbola, who now portrays the same character in Peacock’s Bel-Air. Their red carpet meeting,an instant embrace followed by an evening spent side by side, became a powerful, unscripted highlight. Guests paused to take it in, recognizing the rare convergence of two generations of an iconic television role.
As the night unfolded, the Higbie’s takeover delivered exactly what SXSW demands at its close: a sense of culmination, energy, and shared celebration. Guests who had spent the week navigating packed schedules and industry obligations finally had space to exhale,and to connect in a more personal, unguarded way.
The event underscored TBK Productions and Jane Owen Public Relations’ ability to create experiences that go beyond traditional industry gatherings,moments that feel both curated and organic, rooted in culture, talent, and genuine connection.