Each year, weeks before the festival begins, we compile master list of all the celebrities attending SXSW 2018 (you’re welcome).
The list was astounding once again this year and we knew there was absolutely no way we could see them all. In fact, we may have seen fewer than in most years. However, thanks to the magic of Instagram, we were able to keep up with ALL of the stars in Austin for the fest.
But, our highlights include those celebs whose paths we personally crossed.
And now, without further adieu, here are ATXgossip’s top celebrity sightings at SXSW 2018.
THURSDAY
Before the festival officially began, we attended the Texas Film Awards press conference which featured honorees Armie Hammer and Paul Thomas Anderson, along with presenter Regina Hall and Austin Film Society founder Richard Linklater.
Unfortunately, we could not attend the awards ceremony for the first time in years because we had the opportunity to get a sneak peak at SXSWestworld (see pictures of that here).
Oh, we did happen to see and say hello to Maria Shriver as we were leaving happy hour and making our way to Eastside Tavern for departure to Sweetwater. Shriver attended in support of her daughter’s Netflix film Take Your Pills.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgY9N6hBg0K/?taken-by=mariashriver
FRIDAY
Friday was a whirlwind. Before spotting any famous faces, we checked out some of the installations, including the DC comics set up on Red River and the Ready Player One set up at Brazos Hall. From there it was on to the Supper Suite at Base Camp where we celebrated the film American Animals. We were hoping to spot Evan Peters (perhaps with GF Emma Roberts in tow) and Ann Dowd (who spent time in Austin while filming The Leftovers). They didn’t seem to make the trip. We did, however, spot Blake Jenner trying on some Foster Grant shades and posing at their photo booth setup.
This wasn’t the first time we spotted Jenner at SXSW. In 2016, we spoke to him on the red carpet at the Texas Film Awards, which he attended with the gang from Everybody Wants Some.
We also chatted with Leonard Maltin and daughter Jessie who have a father/ daughter movie podcast called Maltin on Movies.
Fun fact: even though they get to see many movies for free, they both have Movie Pass as well. Don’t know what Movie Pass is? It’s a subscription based program where you pay $10/ month and can see one movie a day each month at participating theaters (and almost all Austin area theaters are currently a part of the program). Learn more here.
We hit the CNN at the Market party next where Christiane Amanpour and W. Kamau Bell mingled with the crowd.
After making our way to the balcony, we spotted WKB nearby as we stepped up to the photo booth so we requested he join us for our photo shoot. He was happy to oblige.
It was back to the Supper Suite from there for the Support the Girls post screening party.
We snapped a pic of star Haley Lu Richardson on the step and repeat but missed the moment she posed with beau Brett Dier (who we know from Jane the Virgin).
We did not miss the opportunity to chat and snap pics with AJ Michalka and Regina Hall though.
SATURDAY
Saturday started with a trip back to CNN for an Axe Files podcast recording with David Axelrod and Jon Favreau (Jon Lovett was the scheduled guest but cancelled due to illness).
Bravo’s Imposters Instacon event was up next. Unfortunately, no cast members were in attendance, but we did get to pose for pics in some luxurious settings AND got a complimentary manicure. Score!
The Fast Company Grill followed. Upon arrival, we were excited to learn that Dan Rather would be taking part in a chat a mere hour later.
Speaking about politics, journalism and our current state of affairs, the CBS vet and helm of News And Guts brought tears to many eyes, including his own.
A trip to the Google Fiber Space followed to hear You Tube stars The Merrill Twins speak about their new Google supported series Project Upgrade. In addition to making ridiculously successful videos for their social channels, the girls appeared on Jane the Virgin as Rogelio’s step daughters.
Took a little break in a hotel lobby after that. Swore we saw Elon Musk arrive with his brood. Come to find out, we DID see Elon Musk arrive, as his surprise Q&A was announced later that evening.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgLKCE8DbtV/?taken-by=garymillershoots
We also spotted Spike Lee, Molly Shannon and Bill Hader, who later chatted with the aforementioned Maltins for an upcoming episode of their podcast.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgKLVqEn0GL/?tagged=billhader
Next up, it was back to Fast Company Grill where we once again saw Dan Rather, who was chatting it up with Shark Tank‘s Daymond John.
We ended the evening back at the Supper Suite to celebrate the films Sadie, Prospect, Outside In and The Unicorn.
Sightings included Edie Falco, Jay Duplass, Tony Hale, Melanie Lynskey, Sophia Mitri Schloss and Robert Schwartzman.
But it was Jim Gaffigan who was the highlight of my night.
We also met this trio of cuties. All three Williams brothers are hustlin’ to make it in Hollywood, but middle bro Keith was the reason the family was on hand. He co-stars in the film Sadie (he’s also been seen on The Goldbergs and The Last Man on Earth).
On the way home, we popped into Esther’s Follies to catch a bit of the Comedy Central Corporate Retreat event.
Enjoyed some stand up from Aparna Nancherla and an intro to the episode they were screening from creators and stars Jake Weisman, Matt Ingebretson, and Pat Bishop.
SUNDAY
Sunday started in the best way possible – a trip to the Lanford Lunch Box. Roseanne stars Lecy Goranson, Michael Fishman and Emma Kenney (who also stars on Shameless) were on hand to talk about the new edition of the series.
Following that flash from the past, we hit up the Mashable House, the Girl’s Lounge and the convention floor for a bit before seeing Ira Glass from NPR speak.
Drinks at the Dragon Women event at the Four Seasons followed and then it was back to the Supper Suite to celebrate the film You Can Choose Your Family.
Jim Gaffigan was on hand, as was Samantha Mathis, who hasn’t seemed to change in decades.
Co-stars Danielle Campbell and Isabelle Phillips also enjoyed the suite.
Before heading home for the night, we spotted Riverdale star Camila Mendes near the dance floor. She stars in the film The New Romantic which also screened at the fest.
Whew! This post is getting long. Perhaps we’ll break here.
Check back for part two coming soon.
In the meantime, check out the list of celebs we saw at SXSW 2017.
