Editor’s note: This premiere took place before the SAG-AFTRA strike.
I can officially die happy because I have achieved the greatest thing I am likely to ever achieve: I went to the Barbie premiere in Los Angeles. And yes, it was as pink and star-studded and oh-my-god-I-can’t-believe-Nicki-Minaj-is-here as you’d expect. The carpet was popping, the movie was incredible, and I had the absolute time of my life. Please allow me to allow you to live vicariously through my experience.
I went to the premiere as part of an American Express By Invitation Only event. The company curates experiences for Platinum and Centurion Card members and can get you access to things you’d never be able to get access to otherwise (like the most anticipated movie premiere of the year, for example or a Carbone pop-up during the Miami F1 Grand Prix or exclusive nights at Broadway’s biggest shows...you know, casual things).
For my experience, I had the opportunity to stay in one of the AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts locations, which, in my case, was the Beverly Hills Hotel. More on that soon, but spoiler: It was incredible. Essentially, AmEx can hook it up for you in a big way. If you feel like the luxury lifestyle is calling your name—or you just wanna get the inside scoop from the pink carpet—please keep reading.
(P.S. The writer received free stays, meals, and experiences in order to write this story.)
Stay
As I mentioned, I stayed at the Beverly Hills Hotel, which, considering it’s often called the “Pink Palace,” was literally perfect for a Barbie-themed vacation. When I tell you this hotel is my entire personality now, I mean it. Our room (yes, I got to bring my v lucky BFF) had two bathrooms (!), two outdoor terraces (!?), the biggest bed I’ve ever slept in, and a tub I could practically swim laps in. On top of that, the on-site pool was as fabulous as it looks in the pictures. And I got maybe the best massage of my life in the spa.
As part of the Fine Hotels + Resorts package through AmEx, guests can get certain room upgrades (when we checked in, the lovely front desk associate said we had been upgraded “multiple tiers”), breakfast credits, property experience credits, and more. When we got to the room, there were on-theme treats waiting for us, like Barbie cupcakes and pink gummy candy. We also got a late checkout, which, considering we attended the premiere afterparty the night before leaving, was desperately needed. This hotel is legendary, and I’m thrilled to say it lives up to alllllll the hype (and Instas).
Play
The big event of this trip, obviously, was the premiere. As part of the AmEx ~experience~, we were able to go to a reception beforehand; take our own photos on the pink carpet; get front-row spots to watch all the celebs walk by (Dua Lipa is just as stunning in person as she is on her Instagram); attend the actual screening of the movie (I cried twice); participate in a meet-and-greet with the movie’s director, Greta Gerwig, and star Kate McKinnon; and attend the afterparty. I’m exhausted just saying all of that, but it was truly a packed day that I will never forget. I’m an entertainment editor and I’ve been to movie premieres before (not a brag, I swear), but not like this. The access here was next-level.
Yes, I did have one too many Beach-Off cocktails at the afterparty, and no, I do not regret it. Mark Ronson did a DJ set! Simu Liu was dancing right next to me! The vibes were immaculate.
Eat
I’m going to keep it real with you: We literally did not leave the hotel once because it was so great. Thankfully, the Beverly Hills Hotel has lots of food options, including the iconic Polo Lounge and the adorable Fountain Coffee Room. And not for nothing, the chicken tenders we ordered by the pool were very, very good. Are there other places to eat in L.A.? Most likely. Did I discover them? No. And I’m okay with that.
Lounge
If you’re an American Express Platinum or Centurion card holder, you get access to all the Centurion airport lounges. And let me tell you, once you go lounge, you never go back. I got a quick massage as I was waiting for my flight, and I’ve never been more excited to get to the airport early. Plus, free champagne! Don’t mind if I do.
Your Barbie-Themed Packing List
Orange Ribbed One-Shoulder Cutout Midi Dress
Okay, contrary to popular belief, it wasn't mandatory to wear a pink dress to the premiere. I wore an orange number...
... But I did wear a pink blazer.
Rose Floral Sunglasses
Are these not the most perfect Barbie-approved sunglasses you've ever seen in your life?
If you're attending a movie premiere in L.A., you're going to need sunscreen. Simple as that.
The Beverly Hills Hotel The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa canvas baseball cap
A hotel so good you'll want the merch.
MAC MAC Lipstick Matte Finish - Original Matte
This lipstick stayed on during: a pre-screening reception, two hours standing in the L.A. sunshine on the pink carpet, a full movie screening, and an afterparty. And no smudging, stg.
Emma Baty is the Senior Entertainment Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she shapes TV, movie and music coverage, writes celebrity profiles, edits stories across both print and digital, and generally obsesses over all things pop culture. Prior to this role, she worked as Cosmopolitan.com’s News Writer, writing celebrity news stories daily and covering live events like the Oscars. Originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, she currently lives in Brooklyn.
