Celebrating Women's Media Excellence
On June 16th, 2026, New York’s Cipriani 42nd Street played host to the 51st Annual Gracie Awards Luncheon, an event that highlighted the significant contributions women have been making in the media industry. This isn't just an annual podium of platitudes—it’s a genuine rally for acknowledging and boosting women’s roles and responsibilities in media spaces. Hosted by ABC News' Rebecca Jarvis, the luncheon brought together an array of accomplished individuals committed to pushing the needle ever forward.
Honoring Leadership and Advocacy
Inaugural accolades are always an electrifying affair, and this one wasn’t any different. Amy Richards and the legendary Gloria Steinem were honored with the Gracies Torch Award for their relentless advocacy and leadership. Rebekah Dopp, the bulldog CEO from the Better Business Bureau, presented this award with no shortage of admiration, underscoring that real leaders are those who spark opportunities for others—a nod to the essence of passing the torch in leadership.
Echoing this sentiment, Richards closed the program with a reminder that individual success must ripple outwards, creating broader opportunities for many. It's less about basking in personal glory and more about generating waves of progress that crash into new opportunities for others to ride.
Power of Voices and Storytelling
Monica Bloom, rocking her dual hat as Chair of the AWM Foundation and CMO of Kino Lorber Media Group, opened the luncheon with a powerful reminder of why events like the Gracies matter. “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,” Bloom said. The emphasis wasn't just on celebrating achievements, but on the broader influence these voices have in shaping narratives and, ultimately, society itself.
- Rebecca Jarvis: Speaking on journalistic trust and learning from a mother who understood its high costs.
- Sara Sidner: Highlighting self-awareness as foundational to telling others' stories.
- Crystal Rosas: Waxing lyrical about radio's unique ability to create genuine connection.
"Journalism depends on trust—on people who are willing to ask difficult questions," Jarvis reflected, a sentiment echoing through the workrooms of media worldwide.
The Drive Toward Education and Opportunities
The Gracies are not merely accolades; they’re engines for change. Laying latest bricks in the media-education bridge was Megan Van Tine, Hallmark Media’s Director of Corporate Communications, who handed the 2026 Make Her Mark Scholarship to an eager Film and Television student from Hofstra University. Investing in emerging talent isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-do.
Interesting tidbits were shared by other presenters that highlighted the supportive ecosystem the event thrives in. From Scott Stanford’s humor-laden appreciation of steadfast support—an ode to the fans and families behind the honorees—to Andrea Canning’s reflections on the gritty start in local news, the event was a tapestry of media wisdom interwoven with poignant personal insights.
Future-Focused: Empowering Generations
The luncheon seamlessly dovetailed into the Gracies Gift & Experience Fundraiser, a clarion call for investing in scholarships and mentorships for the next cohort of media game-changers. This venture, supported by industry giants like Disney and NBCUniversal Local, is more than a nod to philanthropy; it’s about solidifying a committed pipeline toward future leadership.
With the echoes of the 51st Gracie Awards Luncheon still resonating through media corridors, it's clear this event wasn’t just a moment in time—it was a movement, a continued push for gender equity in media fields, an investment in future female leaders, and a tribute to the trailblazers lighting the way.
