This past Sunday, December 7th, Toronto’s nightlife community converged inside Silent H, transforming the already electric venue into the beating heart of the city’s entertainment scene. It was a night where velvet-rope glamour met genuine emotion, a night where the people who define Toronto after dark gathered not just to celebrate accomplishments, but to recognize the culture they’ve built together.
Silent H, with its signature atmosphere and immersive design, proved an inspired choice for this year’s 24th Annual Toronto Nightclub Awards. Hosted by legendary radio personality Tony Monaco and sponsored by ASAHI, the room buzzed long before the first award was announced. Industry veterans greeted one another with familiar embraces while fresh faces drifted through the space, wide-eyed at being surrounded by some of the most influential people in nightlife. It was a reminder that this industry is a living ecosystem, a blend of legacy and evolution, and on Sunday night, all of it was on display.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening arrived early, when Patrick and Nader Marzouk were invited to the stage to receive the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. For anyone who has followed Toronto nightlife over the last two decades, the Marzouk brothers need little introduction. Their venues, vision, and relentless pursuit of elevating the city’s standards have shaped entire eras of nightlife culture. Their appearance on stage was met with a standing ovation—an acknowledgment not only of their achievements but of the impact they’ve had on countless careers across hospitality, music, and entertainment. When their emotional speeches concluded, Richard De Sousa returned to the stage to present an unexpected bonus honour: Silent H itself was awarded the 2025 Gold Plate Award for Mexican Food, a moment that blended applause with excitement, perfectly capturing the warmth of the night. Many factors go into receiving a Gold Plate Award, from Presentation, Ambiance, Quality of ingredients, presentation, service and menu, all of which Silent H checked all the boxes to set it apart from other eateries across Canada.
From that point forward, the awards flowed in an energetic rhythm—each announcement met with cheers, surprise, and the kind of reactions that remind you how close-knit this community truly is. Conversations about Toronto’s evolving nightlife scene—new venues emerging, iconic ones reinventing themselves—were woven between the category announcements. It became clear that 2025 has been a defining year, one shaped equally by innovation and resilience.
Among the biggest celebrations of the night was Future winning Venue of the Year, a triumph that reflects the club’s ability to hit a rare sweet spot between cutting-edge production and consistent programming. Future has, in many ways, become a symbol of where Toronto nightlife is heading: immersive, detail-oriented, and boldly ambitious. Their win came in a category filled with industry heavyweights, making the applause that followed feel especially earned.
Equally emotional was the announcement of Shervin (Ultraviolet) as Manager of the Year. Ultraviolet has quickly risen to become one of Toronto’s most talked-about new-generation venues, and Shervin’s leadership—marked by precision, hospitality, and unshakable high standards—has been a core part of its momentum. His win resonated with staff, promoters, and DJs alike, many of whom credit him as a stabilizing force in a fast-moving industry. One of the most anticipated awards each year is Club Owner of the Year, recognizing the leadership, vision, and investment that drive the industry forward. This year, the honour went to first time winner, Deshae Maitland, a rising industry titan known for innovative concepts, community involvement, and a sharp eye for creating unforgettable guest experiences.
A particularly spirited moment unfolded when Coco Azul was named Best GTA Venue, an award that recognizes excellence outside the downtown core. Coco Azul’s loyal following and consistently packed nights have made it a powerhouse in the region, and their supporters erupted into celebration when their name was called. That energy carried over into the award for Best Southern Ontario Nightclub, claimed this year by Mansion (Hamilton)—a venue that has steadily transformed Hamilton’s nightlife landscape into something that rivals major metropolitan scenes.
While venues form the backbone of nightlife, the people who animate the dance floors deservedly shared the spotlight. One of the loudest crowd reactions of the night came when I LOVE R&B was crowned Party of the Year. The brand has built an almost cult-like following, delivering events that blend nostalgia, community, and pure musical energy. Their win seemed not just deserved, but inevitable—a reflection of how thoroughly they’ve dominated the city’s event calendar.
Just as influential are the promoters, the unseen engines behind every packed venue. The recognition of Matt Mogul as Promoter of the Year highlighted a year in which he delivered blockbuster events like Somebody+Anybody and BlackXBlack with consistency, creativity, and a level of reach that few others matched. On the emerging side of the promotional world, the award for Best New Generation Promoter went to FAM (Friends and Family), whose ability to mobilize younger crowds has reshaped weekend traffic across multiple venues. Their collective win felt emblematic of a generational shift—veterans thriving while new talent rises fast behind them.
Hosts and personalities added colour to the night as well. Phoenix, known for a stage presence that ignites crowds before the first bottle pops, earned Best Host, a title that recognizes the delicate art of blending charisma with crowd control. On the broadcast side of nightlife, Tony Monaco claimed Best Radio Personality, reminding everyone that nightlife lives not only in clubs but also through the voices and music that keep people connected throughout the week.
Outdoor culture also had its moment. When Cabana secured the title of Best Patio, applause rippled across the room—few spaces embody Toronto summer like Cabana, a venue synonymous with waterfront luxury, world-class DJs, and unforgettable daytime events.
Creative talent was celebrated deeply throughout the night. In the visually driven social media era, nightlife photography has become more essential than ever, and the award for Best Nightlife Photographer went to Coopz (CX Productions). His ability to capture nightlife’s peak moments—those fleeting seconds of celebration, movement, and atmosphere—has made him a fixture at top-tier events across the city.
As the ceremony continued, it became clear that each award reflected more than a title—it reflected a story. Stories of late nights and packed rooms, of new concepts and evolving trends, of people who pour their lives into creating the spaces where the rest of the city unwinds and celebrates. Even categories not directly tied to venues—like bartenders, servers, dancers, entertainment acts, and security—were embraced with enthusiasm, highlighting how every role in nightlife contributes to the larger experience.
By the time the final awards were announced, Silent H had become a tapestry of laughter, clinking glasses, and heartfelt congratulations. Old friends reconnected, new collaborations were sparked, and countless photos were snapped to immortalize the night. It was not lost on anyone that Toronto’s nightlife is entering a new era—one where storytelling, creativity, and community matter as much as sound systems and guest lists.
As attendees spilled out into the December night, many lingered on the sidewalk, unwilling to let the evening end. The conversations outside echoed what many had been feeling inside: the 24th Annual Toronto Nightclub Awards wasn’t just a ceremony—it was a statement. A statement that the city’s nightlife remains vibrant, innovative, and deeply rooted in the people who devote themselves to it.
With the 25th anniversary milestone on the horizon, excitement is already brewing. If this year’s celebration proved anything, it’s that Toronto’s nightlife community doesn’t just survive—it evolves, inspires, and continues writing its story one unforgettable night at a time.
To view the complete album of photos from the event, click here https://www.torontonightclub.com/ca/gallery/sun-dec-7th-24th-annual-toronto-nightclub-awards-at-silent-h/
For a list of the evenings winners visit TorontoNightclubAwards.com