After three decades of famously extravagant and indulgent celebrations, Vanity Fair’s new editor decided it was time for a change. Although the magazine would continue hosting its revered post-Oscars party, a staple for Hollywood’s elite to either toast their victories or drown their sorrows, the guest list would undergo a significant shift: journalists were no longer invited.

This decision, insiders noted, aimed to enhance the event’s exclusivity. By barring media presence, the editor hoped to create an environment where A-list celebrities could truly unwind without the prying eyes of the press. Consequently, major outlets like The New York Times, Associated Press, and even The Hollywood Reporter found themselves sidelined from the guest list.

Yet, this raises an intriguing question: how did CNN’s Kaitlan Collins make the cut? And furthermore, what does this say about her standing in the industry?

At just 33, Collins, who hails from Alabama, has carved a formidable reputation for herself. In 2021, she achieved a milestone by becoming CNN’s youngest chief White House correspondent. Known for her incisive and dependable reporting, Collins has become a trusted voice in journalism.

In an interview with Forbes that same year, she remarked, “When you go on CNN and give a report from the White House, people from all walks of life are listening to you to see what’s going on, and they’re counting on you to know what you’re talking about and to present it fairly.” She added that earning respect within not just her team but the entire White House press corps necessitates thorough knowledge and robust reporting.

‘When you go on CNN and give a report from the White House, people from all walks of life are listening to you to see what’s going on, and they’re counting on you to know what you’re talking about and to present it fairly,’ she told Forbes in February of that year. ‘I think that the best way to earn the respect of your colleagues – not just within your own team but within the entire White House press corps – is to be well-read on what’s going on and to have good reporting.’

But five years on, as she posed at the Vanity Fair party, her CNN colleagues were asking whether she really was still focused on her reporting. Perhaps, some snarked, Hollywood had turned her head.

‘When you become more well known as a red carpet influencer than a journalist, there’s a problem,’ one seasoned network executive told the Daily Mail, adding that she was becoming seen as ‘out of touch’ and chasing ‘red-carpet notoriety.’

‘When you become more well known as a red carpet influencer than a journalist, there’s a problem,’ one seasoned network executive told the Daily Mail. (Pictured: Collins posing for a photo at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party) 

Pictured: Collins and photographer Emilio Madrid at the 2026 Grammy Awards last month. An industry source suggested to the Daily Mail that Collins’ success has gone to her head

The source noted that Matthew Belloni, author of news website Puck’s influential media gossip column, had decreed Collins the new holder of ‘the Don Lemon crown of CNN-er who most enjoys flying to LA for parties.’

It was not, the source said, a compliment.

Lemon was ousted from CNN in April 2023 amid widespread discontent within the network at his seeming arrogance and starry ways.

‘His tenure at the network was plagued by ill-informed, opinion-laden commentary masquerading as journalism with spouts of drunken debauchery on full display during New Year’s Eve coverage,’ the source said of Lemon.

‘If I were Collins, I’d see this as a wakeup call and focus more on my day job and less on gallivanting around town.’

The signs, perhaps, have been there for a while.

In June 2025, CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros Discovery, announced that it was splitting into two separate companies: one focused on the HBO Max streaming service and Warner Bros studio, and the other comprised of CNN and other television networks.

The news was greeted with trepidation among staff at CNN, after a bruising start to the year: six percent of the workforce, around 200 people, were laid off in January 2025, Axios reported.

Yet at that precise moment, it emerged that Collins had splashed out on a Nantucket beach house, which Page Six reported was ‘very expensive.’ The average home price on the sought-after Massachusetts island was roughly $4.5 million as of May 2025, according to Realtor.com.

‘She just bought some bougie place and CNN people are grossed out that she paid so much,’ one disgruntled colleague told Page Six.

Don Lemon – Collins’ former, fired, costar – and actress Keke Palmer at this year’s NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 28

‘If I were Collins, I’d see this as a wakeup call and focus more on my day job and less on galivanting around town,’ the source said

The source said Collins will certainly be party hopping again next month amid the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend

Collins, instead of keeping a low profile, boasted about her new holiday home, describing herself in August 2025 as ‘The Influencer Driving Nantucket Crazy This Summer.’

The following month, Collins was in London, attending a political society wedding at the Palace of Westminster.

Striking in a large yellow hat and polka dot dress, Collins posed with the former UK ambassador to Washington, Dame Karen Pierce, and with the bride, Emily Benn – granddaughter of British political giant Tony Benn. It’s not clear how Collins knew Benn, a Labour party councillor, although Benn did spend time working at a bank in New York and at Harvard.

In the new year, Collins was again mingling with famous faces – this time at the Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles.

And once again, CNN staffers were left wondering what she was doing there.

‘Seems Collins cares more about the perks of journalism,’ the source said – noting that she will certainly be party hopping again next month amid the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend.

Few could begrudge her that – after all, she is a near daily presence in the White House briefing room.

But, the source said, Collins’ penchant for parties was being noticed.

‘The all-about-me journalism is clearly in the DNA at CNN – and Collins is no exception,’ the source said.

‘When in doubt – go out. CNN is clearly in a tailspin so why not enjoy the notoriety while you can.’

Neither CNN nor Collins’ spokesperson at CNN responded to requests for comment.