LOS ANGELES, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Content creators from across dance, music, sports, fashion, entertainment, and education gathered in Hollywood on Thursday for the very first U.S. TikTok Awards. The lively event featured a variety of eye-catching moments, including Labubu dolls being launched from a T-shirt cannon, a giant selfie challenge, creative skits, and reenactments of viral videos that took the internet by storm.

The ceremony was livestreamed on TikTok and Tubi and hosted by lifestyle influencer La La Anthony. Among the night’s highlights, Keith Lee was honored as “Creator of the Year,” while Bretman Rock won “Video of the Year.” The event showcased the growing cultural impact of TikTok and the creativity of its users.

“TikTok gave me a platform to highlight small businesses across the country,” said Lee, who is known for his family-friendly and small business content, while accepting his award on stage. “It’s hard to do something just for myself because I always put others first—but tonight, this is for me.”

Other winners included DJ Paris Hilton, who received the “Muse of the Year” award for inspiring countless others, and Jeremiah Brown, a former Love Island USA contestant, who was recognized as the “Rising Star of the Year.” “A muse doesn’t just follow trends—we help create them,” Hilton said during her acceptance speech.

The awards also highlighted activism and inclusivity. The “For Good” award was presented to Zach, a creator with Down syndrome, who shares his life experiences to promote acceptance, alongside his brother Pat Valentine, who educates audiences about the condition.

Later in the evening, Grammy-winning pop singer Ciara performed a medley of her most popular hits, including “Goodies,” “1, 2 Step,” and “Level Up,” bringing energy and excitement to the stage.

The ceremony also comes at a pivotal moment for TikTok. Its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, led by CEO Shou Zi Chew, announced that it had reached a binding agreement with three major investors to sell just over 80% of the company’s U.S. assets to American and international investors. This move is intended to prevent a potential ban by the U.S. government.

“I’ve been closely involved in efforts to protect TikTok from the start,” said Alexandra Doten, an educational content creator on TikTok, speaking on the red carpet before the show. “I even went to Washington, D.C., to discuss it. I’m thrilled because this platform inspires creativity, learning, and innovation for millions of people.”

The deal represents a major step toward resolving years of uncertainty about TikTok’s future in the United States. The app has been a part of U.S. culture since August 2020, when former President Donald Trump first attempted to ban it due to concerns over national security and potential exploitation by the Chinese government. Today, TikTok is used regularly by over 170 million Americans, making it one of the country’s most influential social media platforms.

By combining entertainment, recognition of creativity, and a focus on social issues, the first U.S. TikTok Awards not only celebrated popular creators but also highlighted the platform’s broader cultural and social impact in the digital age.