NATPE Honors Awards Returning for 2026 Conference

The NATPE Honors Awards will be returning as part of NATPE Global 2026, with Dulcé Sloan (The Daily Show) hosting the gala taking place on February 5.

“NATPE Global remains North America’s largest and most important gathering for the global content community, and NATPE Honors celebrates the leaders and innovators shaping the future of the entertainment industry,” said Claire Macdonald, executive director of NATPE Global. “This year’s cohort features some of the boldest, most creative and influential names in the business today.”

The North Star Award, recognizing career achievements of individuals whose strong leadership has had a bar-raising impact, will be presented to Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Networks.

The Shift Disturber Award, honoring individuals whose bold ideas and leadership are driving transformative change, will be given to Sean Cohan, president of Bell Media, and Izzet Pinto, founder and CEO of Global Agency.

Wendy McMahon, former president and CEO of CBS News and stations, CBS Media Ventures and The Walt Disney Company, will be presented with the Cause + Action Award, which celebrates a purpose-led champion of change for their social good impact.

The New Establishment Award, given to emerging leaders whose new ideas and creative endeavors are shaking things up and charting a new path, will be bestowed on Courtney Mock, senior VP of scripted television development at Lionsgate.

“This year’s NATPE Honors recipients reflect the spirit of transformation that underscores the 2026 theme of Convergence,” said Mary Maddever.