Celebrating Excellence: 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon Highlights Women in Media

51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon: A Celebration of Women's Achievements in Media

On June 16, 2026, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) held its prestigious 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. This annual event, which recognizes outstanding programming created by and for women, featured renowned figures from the media industry, including host Rebecca Jarvis, Chief Business, Technology and Economics Correspondent for ABC News.

Notable presenters at the event included Andrea Canning from NBC News, Crystal Rosas from Z100, Sara Sidner of CNN, and Scott Stanford of 1010 WINS, all contributing to a program designed to inspire and celebrate female talent in media.

Rebekah Dopp, CEO of the Better Business Bureau, presented the inaugural Gracies Torch Award to eminent activists Amy Richards and Gloria Steinem. This acknowledgment celebrated their decades of tireless advocacy and leadership aimed at creating opportunities for future generations.

During her opening remarks, Monica Bloom, Chair of the AWM Foundation and Chief Marketing Officer of Kino Lorber Media Group, emphasized the influence of the recognized work. "At a time when authentic voices and trusted reporting matter more than ever, the work of our Gracie honorees has a real and lasting impact," she stated.

Rebecca Jarvis shared insights on the importance of local journalism, reflecting on lessons from her journalist mother. "Journalism depends on trust—on people willing to ask difficult questions, follow facts, and tell stories with humanity," she remarked, underscoring the critical role of local reporters in community storytelling.

Sara Sidner, CNN Anchor, addressed the audience with poignant advice for aspiring journalists, stating, "Know thyself. You must understand who you are before you can truly tell someone else's story." This personal insight aimed to encourage the next generation of media professionals.

Crystal Rosas, representing iHeart's Z100, highlighted the strong bond between radio professionals and their listeners, reminding attendees that local radio's essence lies in its ability to connect communities. "Whether you are sharing important news or creating joyous moments, radio has a unique way of making people feel connected," Rosas noted.

Furthermore, Megan Van Tine awarded the 2026 Make Her Mark Scholarship to Hannah Carranza, a bright Film and Television student who symbolizes the potential impact of belief and support from mentors. Van Tine proclaimed, "Hannah's story shows that it only takes one person believing in you to catapult a dream into reality."

Scott Stanford brought humor and warmth to the proceedings, while also acknowledging the support surrounding the day’s honorees, including a mention of Colin Kaepernick, who was present supporting his wife, Gracie Award recipient Nessa.

In a thoughtful reflection, Andrea Canning emphasized the critical experience gained from local news, stating, "Local news teaches you to handle breaking stories and think on your feet. It instills the ability to connect with people—the essence of impactful journalism." This connection to community reporting was a recurrent theme of the luncheon.

As the event drew to a close, Amy Richards, in her acceptance speech, articulated a vital message about responsibility in leadership. "Our individual successes can't stop with one person. We promise to keep igniting others—because if each of us has a torch, there will be a lot more light," she asserted, embodying the spirit of the Gracies Torch Award.

The AWM Foundation urged attendees to continue their support for future generations of women in media through the Gracies Gift Experience Fundraiser, with proceeds directed toward scholarships, mentorship, and educational programs. Notable sponsors such as ABC News, Audacy, Hallmark Media, and others made the luncheon possible, reflecting the collaborative effort to uplift women in media.

The Gracie Awards, the largest fundraiser for the AWM Foundation, not only honors excellence in female representation across media platforms but also paves the way for continued progress in the industry. For more information on the Gracie Awards and the AWM Foundation, visit their official website.

This year's Luncheon served as a notable reminder of the achievements of women in media, the importance of mentorship, and the enduring impact of shared stories. With every award, every speech, and every shared story, the legacy of the Gracie Awards continues to grow, fostering a brighter future for women in media everywhere.