Kate Hudson and Jimmy Kimmel were honored at the 2026 ICG Publicists Awards, highlighting the crucial role of publicity in the entertainment industry. Hudson, accepting the Motion Picture Showperson of the Year award, emphasized the ongoing work of bringing films' magic to audiences, a task she likened to being a showperson steering the ship. Kimmel, despite his recent suspension, received the President's Award, expressing gratitude for 23 years of partnership and support. Noah Wyle, named Television Showperson of the Year, celebrated the success of 'The Pitt' and the collective power of creativity in the industry. The awards also recognized 'Sinners' and 'The Pitt' with the Maxwell Weinberg Awards for Motion and Television Publicity Campaigns, respectively.
The ceremony celebrated a diverse range of achievements, including community service, special merit, and career achievement. Carri McClure, Chrissy Quesada, Claire Raskind, Gina Soliz, and Kimberly Wire were honored for their unit publicity work, while Michelle Alt, Frankie De La Vara, Katie Lovick, Liza Nedelman, and Danielle Roque were recognized for their overall contributions as publicists. International media awards went to Jason Di Rosso, Elaine Guerini, Cleide Klock, Ali Plumb, and Gill Pringle, and the Press Award was shared by Erik Davis, Angelique Jackson, Kevin McCarthy, Jazz Tangcay, and Kara Warner.
The ICG Publicists Awards also acknowledged the artistry behind the scenes, with Excellence in Unit Still Photography awards going to Justin Lubin, Atsushi Nishijima, Macall Polay, Stefania Rosini, and JoJo Whilden for motion pictures, and Jessica Brooks, Brian Douglas, Jake Giles Netter, Elizabeth Morris, and Erin Simkin for television. These awards underscore the multifaceted nature of the entertainment industry, where publicity, creativity, and technical expertise converge to shape the public's perception of films and television shows.
In my opinion, the ICG Publicists Awards are a testament to the often-unsung heroes of the entertainment industry. Publicists, unit publicists, and media professionals play a pivotal role in shaping the public's perception of films and television shows. Their work goes beyond mere promotion; it involves crafting narratives, building relationships, and ensuring that the magic of storytelling reaches audiences worldwide. The awards serve as a reminder that the entertainment industry thrives on the collective efforts of diverse talents, each contributing uniquely to the creation and dissemination of captivating content.
