The 62nd annual ICG Publicists Awards was a grand celebration of the entertainment industry’s unsung heroes—publicists, journalists, and industry veterans—who shape the narratives behind Hollywood’s biggest productions. Held at the prestigious Beverly Wilshire on Friday, the event recognized outstanding achievements in publicity campaigns, unit photography, and press contributions.
Among the night’s biggest winners were Wicked (Universal Pictures) and Agatha All Along (Marvel Television/Walt Disney Studios/Disney+), both earning the coveted Maxwell Weinberg Award for outstanding publicity campaigns in film and television, respectively.
Kathy Bates Honored as Showperson of the Year
Veteran actress and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates, who is experiencing a late-career resurgence with her acclaimed role in CBS’s Matlock, received the Showperson of the Year Award. The 76-year-old actress was met with a standing ovation as she took the stage to accept her award, embracing the moment with a heartfelt nod to Colin Farrell.
Bates quoted Farrell’s recent SAG Awards speech, saying, “What we do is unquantifiable; it’s playtime.” While she referenced the acting profession, her words resonated just as deeply with the publicists in attendance. Their work, often behind the scenes, is equally challenging, dynamic, and crucial to the success of entertainment projects.
A Celebration of Publicity Excellence
Hollywood’s public relations professionals work tirelessly to promote films, TV shows, and talent. The ICG Publicists Awards serve as a rare moment of recognition for these industry professionals, allowing them to step into the spotlight and celebrate their contributions. The event was filled with applause, cheers, and well-deserved accolades for top performers in the field.
Among the top awards presented:
Maxwell Weinberg Award for Publicity Campaigns
- Film: Wicked (Universal Pictures)
- Television: Agatha All Along (Marvel Television/Walt Disney Studios/Disney+)
Les Mason Award for Career Achievement in Publicity
- Winner: Bill Mona
- Presented by: Industry veterans Jennifer Allen, Tony Angellotti, Jan Craft, Heidi Schaeffer, and Michael Singer
Publicist of the Year Award
- Winner: Rachael Roth
- Presented by: Julia Neal (last year’s winner) and Sheryl Main (ICG Publicists Awards chair)
Star Power and Unforgettable Moments
The event saw an array of stars and industry leaders grace the stage to present awards. Joe Locke, star of Agatha All Along, handed out awards for Excellence in Unit Still Photography, recognizing:
- Chiabella James (Motion Picture)
- Michele K. Short (Television)
The Press Awards, which honor exceptional journalism in entertainment coverage, were awarded to:
- Perri Nemiroff (Collider) – Domestic coverage
- John Nugent (Empire Magazine) – International coverage
These awards were presented by Family Guy and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star Alex Borstein, who humorously noted that she herself does not have a publicist.
Ngoc Nguyen Honored for Community Service
A particularly moving moment came when Ngoc Nguyen, a seasoned publicist, strategist, and consultant, received the Bob Yeager Award for Community Service. Her speech was a deeply personal reflection on her journey, from her parents’ 42-day voyage from Vietnam to Portland, Oregon, to her own battle with breast cancer. Nguyen credited her inner circle of friends and colleagues for helping her through difficult times, many of whom were present at the event.
Kathy Bates Expresses Gratitude
Bates took a moment to thank her publicist, Rachel Karten of Origin PR, for her unwavering support. “I’m proud that you get to represent me,” Bates said. “We’ve paid our dues, and now we get to just kick up our heels and enjoy this incredible ride.”
She also praised Matlock creator Jennie Snyder Urman for giving her an opportunity to shine in a new light. “The most tragic thing at the end of our lives is to lose our purpose,” Bates said. “And Jennie, because of you, and together with you, I have found the light again.”
