AceShowbiz - Last Monday, Disney hosted its first-ever Toast to TV, an event celebrating an outstanding year of television achievements across its streaming and broadcast platforms, including Hulu, Disney+, FX, and ABC. The celebration, held at Soho House Holloway in West Hollywood, brought together a star-studded group of actors and creators recognized for their Emmy-winning and nominated work over the past year.

The event was led by Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of the Walt Disney Company, who welcomed talent from a diverse range of popular shows and series. Highlights included appearances from beloved long-running series such as Dancing with the Stars and critically acclaimed new FX productions like Love Story.

The Hollywood Reporter collaborated on the event by arranging a custom photoshoot featuring cast members from several Disney platforms’ most talked-about projects. Among those photographed were the casts of The Testaments, Deli Boys, Abbott Elementary, Paradise, Dancing with the Stars, Welcome to Wrexham, Love Story, and Swiped.

The photoshoot began with Chase Infiniti, Lucy Halliday, and industry veteran Ann Dowd, stars of The Testaments, the continuation of the acclaimed series Handmaid’s Tale. The trio shared warm reflections on their experience, with Infiniti praising the cast and crew’s supportive environment. Dowd humorously acknowledged the care she receives on set, joking about being “the old lady” amidst the team.

Following this, Poorna Jagannathan and Asif Ali represented the dark comedy Deli Boys, which has earned critical acclaim for its debut season and is set to return for a new season on May 28. Ali’s vibrant red chair complemented his matching tie during the shoot, while Jagannathan contributed creative input, demonstrating their dynamic presence.

The cast of the widely beloved sitcom Abbott Elementary also appeared, featuring Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Chris Perfetti, and William Stanford Davis. Their palpable chemistry was evident as they playfully assigned humorous class superlatives to one another during a video interview, including “Class Clown” and “Most Popular.” Brunson was dubbed “Most Likely to Succeed,” while Williams noted he never attended high school, adding a lighthearted touch to the conversation.

Stars from the post-apocalyptic political thriller Paradise—including Sterling K. Brown, Shailene Woodley, and Thomas Doherty—shared insights into their on-screen relationships. Doherty joked about Brown’s infectious laughter being heard before seen, and Woodley reflected on the project as a career highlight, emphasizing the lasting impact of working with such a talented cast.

In attendance from Dancing with the Stars were host Alfonso Ribeiro and judge Derek Hough, who celebrated the completion of the show’s record-breaking 34th season. The pair spontaneously broke into dance between takes, even performing tap dance steps while seated during their interview, showcasing their enduring enthusiasm for the competition.

The award-winning docuseries Welcome to Wrexham was represented by actors and new club owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The duo joked about the fun they had during the shoot but also offered thoughtful commentary about their stewardship of the Welsh football club, describing their ownership as a brief moment in the club’s extensive history.

The cast of Love Story, including Sarah Pidgeon, Paul Anthony Kelly, Grace Gummer, and Constance Zimmer, gathered to celebrate the FX limited series. The anthology, which chronicles the highly publicized romance of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in the 1990s, has earned widespread acclaim and holds the distinction as FX’s most-watched limited series ever on Hulu and Disney+. The cast’s strong camaraderie was evident throughout the day, with Zimmer affirming her eagerness to collaborate with the group again.

Rounding out the event was Lily James, star of the Hulu Original film Swiped, which tells the story of Tinder co-founder Whitney Wolfe Herd’s rise amid industry challenges. During her solo shoot, James spoke about power, emphasizing vulnerability and empathy as true strengths, highlighting Wolfe Herd’s example as an embodiment of these qualities.

Disney’s inaugural Toast to TV served not only as a celebration of success but also as a testament to the creative talent flourishing across its diverse platforms. The event offered an intimate look at the actors and creators behind some of the most compelling television content recognized by the Emmy Awards this year.

From heartfelt interviews to spontaneous dance breaks and playful camaraderie, the day highlighted the unique spirit and dedication fueling these projects. As Disney continues to expand its television offerings, this event underscored the company’s commitment to nurturing and honoring excellence in storytelling across genres and formats.