On a recent Friday afternoon, the Beverly Wilshire ballroom was abuzz with excitement as Hollywood's top publicists gathered to celebrate their achievements. Among the highlights of this year's 62nd annual International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Publicists Awards was the recognition of veteran actress Kathy Bates as Showperson of the Year. The event also honored various individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions in film, television, and community service. With a mix of heartfelt speeches, standing ovations, and light-hearted moments, the ceremony provided a rare opportunity for industry professionals to step back from their demanding roles and enjoy a moment of celebration.
Bates, who has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence thanks to her critically acclaimed role on CBS's Matlock, was visibly moved by the accolade. At 76, she remains an influential figure in the entertainment world. Her acceptance speech borrowed a poignant reflection from Colin Farrell's SAG Awards address, emphasizing the unquantifiable nature of both acting and publicity work. While Bates highlighted the profession's playfulness, she acknowledged the tireless efforts of publicists whose jobs are often overlooked but are crucial to the industry's success.
The event featured numerous awards recognizing excellence across different facets of publicity. The Maxwell Weinberg Award for Film and Television went to Wicked and Agatha All Along, respectively. Disney's Bill Mona received the Les Mason Award for Career Achievement in Publicity, presented by past recipients including Jennifer Allen and Tony Angellotti. Rachael Roth was named Publicist of the Year, while Chiabella James and Michele K. Short were honored for their photography work in film and television. Journalists Perri Nemiroff and John Nugent also took home press awards.
A particularly moving moment came when Ngoc Nguyen accepted the Bob Yeager Award for Community Service. She shared her personal story, recounting her family's harrowing journey from Vietnam to Oregon and her battle with breast cancer. Nguyen praised J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath for supporting her transition into entertainment and philanthropy. Tim Menke, the long-serving chair of the ICG Publicists Awards, received the Henri Bollinger Award for Special Merit, reflecting on the profound impact his colleagues have had on his career.
The 62nd ICG Publicists Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the collective spirit of the entertainment industry. It was a day where publicists, actors, photographers, and journalists came together to honor each other's contributions. For Kathy Bates, it was yet another milestone in her illustrious career, reaffirming her enduring influence in Hollywood. The event concluded with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the unsung heroes who make the entertainment world shine.