NATPE Global announced the debut of the NATPE Honors Awards Gala, an event celebrating individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning Entertainment Tonight anchor Nischelle Turner, the gala will take place on February 5, 2025, as part of the NATPE Global conference at the InterContinental Miami.
Mary Maddever, NATPE Executive Content Director and EVP of Realscreen described the goals of the awards: "Following in the footsteps of the longstanding Brandon Tartikoff Awards, the NATPE Honors were created to celebrate the people who are pushing boundaries. Each year, we’ll recognize individuals who not only challenge the status quo but also inspire change through their creative work and business leadership," explained.
Claire MacDonald, Executive Director of NATPE Global, echoed these sentiments: "The NATPE Honors is a celebration of the extraordinary talent and leadership driving our industry forward. These recipients inspire us with their bold ideas and unwavering commitment to excellence, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their contributions at our inaugural gala in Miami," noted.
This year, the NATPE Honors will celebrate exceptional individuals across several categories, each acknowledging their unique contributions to the entertainment industry.To begin, the North Star Award will be presented to individuals whose leadership has been pivotal in navigating the complexities of a changing industry.
On one hand, Paul Buccieri, President and Chairman of A+E Networks Group, is recognized for his outstanding contributions to the transformation of A+E. Under his guidance, the organization has evolved from a network of premium cable channels into a global content powerhouse, adapting seamlessly to the new economics of television.
On the other hand, Luis Fernández, Chairman of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, will be honored for revolutionizing Spanish-language television. Fernández’s innovative programming and storytelling initiatives have expanded Telemundo’s audience and influence, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Moving forward, the Shift Disturber Award celebrates those whose bold ideas are driving transformative change. One of this year’s recipients is Kelly Day, Vice President International at Prime Video. Day has been instrumental in scaling Prime Video’s global reach while maintaining a strong focus on local relevance. Her strategic approach to content development and monetization exemplifies forward-thinking leadership. Meanwhile, the award also honors the powerhouse duo of Shondaland, led by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers. Their groundbreaking work has redefined television storytelling, particularly through their inclusive casting and the creation of complex, multidimensional female protagonists. Iconic productions such as Bridgerton have elevated audience expectations and reshaped period dramas. Betsy Beers, Shondaland’s Creative Partner and Executive Producer, will accept the award on behalf of the team.
Turning to emerging voices, the New Establishment Award highlights leaders who are charting new paths in the industry. This year’s honoree, Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals at Roku Media, has played a key role in positioning Roku as a formidable player in the ad-supported streaming space. His leadership has brought a strategic and engaging lineup of original programming, including sports and Spanish-language content, establishing Roku as a significant innovator in the AVOD sector.
Finally, the Cause + Action Award honors individuals whose purpose-driven work is creating meaningful social impact. This year, the recipient is Ri-Karlo Handy, CEO and Founder of The Handy Foundation. Handy’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry has created tangible pathways for underrepresented voices. Through mentorship, training, and career opportunities, Handy has not only transformed individual lives but also enriched the industry with fresh perspectives that might otherwise have gone unheard.
The NATPE Honors Awards Gala is set to become an annual tradition, celebrating the most visionary leaders in entertainment and media. However, the gala is just one highlight of the broader NATPE Global 2025 conference. This year’s event will bring together key buyers, sellers, and decision-makers from across the media ecosystem. Top international studios, including Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, BBC Studios, FOX Entertainment Global, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales, will be in attendance. With over 300 buyers from 35 countries already registered, NATPE Global is poised to be a premier hub for deal-making and innovation.
Finally, the Realscreen Summit, the gathering for the global unscripted entertainment industry, will co-locate with NATPE Global for the first time. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect with leaders and innovators across the entire spectrum of entertainment and media. With a forward-looking agenda centered on the theme of “The Future of Media: 2030,” the week’s events will include signature formats like Realscreen’s 30 Minutes With Programmers series and NATPE’s Streaming+ strand, offering fresh insights into the future of content creation and distribution.
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