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Make-A-Wish Honored at the LMGI Awards 2025

In a remarkable recognition of humanitarian efforts, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles is set to receive the esteemed LMGI Humanitarian Award at the 12th Annual LMGI Awards. This prestigious event will take place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Eli and Edythe Broad Stage, located in Santa Monica, California. The Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) presents this accolade to commend outstanding contributions made by location professionals in the film and television industry, and this year, the focus is on the incredible impact Make-A-Wish has had on children facing critical illnesses and their families.

Make-A-Wish has a long-standing mission of granting transformative wishes that cater to children with critical health challenges. Their efforts resonate deeply in the entertainment community, which often witnesses firsthand the inspirational journeys made possible through these granted wishes. The LMGI acknowledges that the essence of Make-A-Wish’s work aligns perfectly with profound values such as compassion and resilience — pillars that underpin storytelling in film and television.

John Rakich, President of the LMGI, emphasizes the universal hope that Make-A-Wish instills in children. He states, “Make-A-Wish instills hope, strength, and joy in children battling critical illnesses, positively affecting countless lives globally.” He acknowledges the magic of such organizations, which often fulfill dreams ranging from transforming a young child into a superhero for a day to arranging visits to film sets for unforgettable outings.

Aparna Pande, the President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, expressed her gratitude for this honor, highlighting the organization’s belief in the healing power of wishes and storytelling. “To be recognized by the LMGI, an organization that brings powerful stories to life, is deeply meaningful to our mission,” she remarked. “We are honored to collaborate with the creative community in Los Angeles to celebrate the imagination and inspiration that every wish grants.”

In addition to honoring Make-A-Wish, the LMGI Awards will also celebrate the acclaimed actor and filmmaker Kevin Costner, who will receive the venerable Eva Monley Award for his dedication to storytelling, demonstrated through location work in iconic films like Dances with Wolves, The Bodyguard, and Yellowstone. This year, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Ilt Jones will also be commended for his significant contributions as a location manager to films such as The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

The LMGI Awards showcase the art and craft of location scouting and management while celebrating the creativity of professionals in the film and television industry. These awards signify not only recognition but a reflection of the community's shared values in supporting efforts that change lives.

Importance of Recognition

Receiving the LMGI Humanitarian Award serves to uplift Make-A-Wish’s mission of hope and healing. Each wish granted holds the potential to impact not only the individual children but also the families and communities they belong to. With a clear commitment to making a difference, Make-A-Wish has sparked the imaginations of many and has fostered a community that believes in the transformational power of dreams.

Join us in celebrating Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles and their ongoing mission at the upcoming LMGI Awards — a testament to the power of compassion and storytelling in the entertainment industry. The impact of this organization reverberates well beyond Hollywood and into the hearts of families in need.

For more details about the event and to see a full list of nominees, visit the LMGI website. Don’t miss this chance to witness how the creativity of location professionals and the imagination of children can join forces to make a lasting impact.