The 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards Announces Official 2026 Nominees

Celebrating Excellence in Media, Entertainment, Community Leadership, Fashion, Film, Music, and Diversity

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — August 3, 2026 — Diversity News Magazine, published by Diversity News Media Brands and produced by Diversity News Productions, is proud to officially announce the 2026 Official Nominees for the 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards, taking place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood, California.

The inaugural awards program recognizes outstanding individuals, organizations, businesses, artists, media professionals, entertainers, community leaders, and innovators whose work promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, culture, leadership, creativity, and positive social impact.

Nominees represent a broad spectrum of industries and communities, reflecting the mission of the Diversity News Magazine Awards to celebrate excellence while amplifying voices that inspire change locally, nationally, and internationally.

"Our inaugural awards program celebrates the remarkable people and organizations whose dedication, talent, and leadership continue to make a meaningful difference," said Esteban Steven Escobar, Executive Producer of the Diversity News Magazine Awards and Publisher of Diversity News Magazine. "We congratulate every nominee for earning this recognition and look forward to honoring their accomplishments during an unforgettable evening in Hollywood."

Official 2026 Nominee Highlights

The official nominees include distinguished professionals and organizations across numerous categories, including:

Media, Communications & Journalism

Among the nominees are:

May Goldi – Diversity Champion in Media and Host of the Year Samantha Ofole-Prince – Outstanding Independent Journalist Joy Marivic – Excellence in Digital Storytelling Russ Emanuel – Excellence in Digital Storytelling Rose Ronterazo (Roselle Azucena Photography) – Photographer of the Year Nancy Salim – Media Personality of the Year Dawna Lee Heising, Lourdes Duque Baron, and Lou Baron – Magazine Cover Feature of the Year Ly French – Porter Ranch Living – Magazine/Newspaper Publication of the Year Clinton H. Wallace – Lifetime Achievement in Photojournalism Entertainment & Arts

Featured nominees include:

Russ Emanuel and May Goldi – Trailblazer in Film or Television Joseph Williamson – Producer of the Year Dawna Lee Heising – Actress of the Year Vida Ghaffari, Kate Linder, and Toni Hudson – Legendary Actress of the Year Vida Ghaffari – Voiceover Artist of the Year 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade 2025 (Associated Television International) – Entertainment Excellence Award Alicia Benavides – MIXED NUTS TV Comedy Series – Best Independent TV Project Joy Marivic, Taylor Dayne, and Malou Zagala Toler – Music Artist of the Year Thushari Jayasekera – Influencer for Social Change Fawn, Lilly Melgar, and Malou Zagala Toler – Performer of the Year Fawn, Kate Linder, and Toni Hudson – Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Community & Leadership

Recognized nominees include:

H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael Sweet Water WeHo – Berni (Bernadette) Gambino LA Pride / Christopher Street West Dr. Consuelo Tolentino Rivera May Goldi Eddie Barber SAMAAN CARINO FOUNDATION – Rose Ronterazo Hollywood Christmas Parade Jartu Mariam McConnell – Sensee Foundation of Hope Inc. Trish Steele AIDS Walk Los Angeles / APLA Health Fashion & Style

Outstanding nominees include:

Helay Ayoub – Kandahar Market Sue Wong Russ Emanuel Kimmarie Johnson May Goldi Hasty Stella Poya Film Trailer Showcase

Official selections include trailers from:

Clinton H. Wallace – ALL FOR NOW Official Trailer (2023) Russ Emanuel / Russem Productions – Staycation Craig Railsback – The Job (2025) Music Showcase

Official selections currently include:

Lourdes Duque Baron – "Me and Mr. Jones" (feat. Aknu)

Additional nominee listings will continue to be updated as submissions are reviewed, verified, and officially accepted.

A Night of Celebration

The 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards will feature:

Red Carpet arrivals Live entertainment Fashion showcases Film trailer presentations Music showcases Special honors Diversity Pageants USA Coronation Awards presentations recognizing excellence across multiple industries

The evening will bring together community leaders, media professionals, artists, entertainers, entrepreneurs, nonprofit organizations, and advocates committed to creating a more inclusive future.

Event Information

1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026

Venue: Barnsdall Gallery Theatre 4800 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027

Red Carpet: 4:00 PM

Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM

Advance Tickets

General Admission: $55

VIP Admission: $100

Purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-diversity-news-magazine-awards-tickets-1990365937097

At the Door

Admission: $150

Guests may also reserve tickets via Zelle by sending payment to 213-321-9408. Please include your full name and "8-22-2026" in the payment description.

Congratulations to All Nominees

Diversity News Magazine congratulates every 2026 nominee for their dedication, leadership, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact in their industries and communities.

The Diversity News Magazine Awards proudly celebrates individuals and organizations whose work embodies the values of diversity, inclusion, culture, excellence, and service.

Winners will be announced live during the inaugural awards ceremony on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood.

Media Contact

Esteban Steven Escobar Executive Producer, Diversity News Magazine Awards Publisher, Diversity News Magazine Diversity News Media Brands

Email: info@diversitynewsmagazine.org Website: https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-diversity-news-magazine-awards-tickets-1990365937097

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