Golden Globes Hosts Uzbekistan Gala Amid US Soft Power Push
Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Oscar winner Adrien Brody were among the attendees at an inaugural Golden Globes event in Uzbekistan, a country eyed by the U.S. for strategic and economic ties.
Uzbekistan is emerging as a key player in American soft power initiatives, underscored by the recent "inaugural" Golden Globes Silk Road Tribute Gala held in the Central Asian nation. The event, which drew a notable guest list including former New York Mayor Eric Adams and Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody, aimed to celebrate filmmakers from the historic Silk Road region.
Adams, speaking through his spokesperson, described the gala as "a home run for American cultural diplomacy and a historic moment for Uzbekistan." He characterized the atmosphere as "electric," highlighting the "glamour of Hollywood, the incredible hospitality of Uzbekistan, the excitement of the red carpet and the celebration of extraordinary talent from across Central Asia and the Caucasus."
Golden Globes co-owner Todd Boehly and Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne were also in attendance. The event was produced by Vivid Strategies in partnership with the Golden Globes and local firm Leto Productions. Its stated purpose was to "celebrate the extraordinary achievements of film and television artists from the historic Silk Road region, honoring the rich cultural heritage and creative exchange that have connected Central Asia and the Caucasus for centuries."
The gala's location and attendee list have been linked to broader geopolitical interests. Sources familiar with both the event and Washington's strategic objectives have referred to Uzbekistan as "America’s next soft-power play," with particular mention of the region's "rare earth metals."
This diplomatic engagement follows a recent visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Uzbekistan, where discussions focused on expanding bilateral relations and economic ties. While Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev did not attend the gala, his administration has been actively seeking to deepen connections with Western nations.
Giorgi Rtskhiladze, co-founder and partner of Vivid Strategies, plays a significant role in business dealings with Boehly and fellow Globes owner Jay Penske, holding licenses for publications like Rolling Stone and Billboard in the Caucasus region. Rtskhiladze's wife, Ayanat Ksenbai, is a Kazakh actress who served as a presenter at the gala.
Rtskhiladze himself has a notable history, having previously sued former Special Counsel Robert Mueller for defamation. A U.S. appeals court in 2024 allowed his defamation suit to proceed, stemming from an implication in the Mueller Report. He authored a book detailing his experiences, titled "Kompromat: My Story from Trump to Mueller and from USSR to USA."
The strategic importance of the region, coupled with the presence of Hollywood figures and U.S. political and business interests, highlights Uzbekistan's growing significance on the international stage.
