New York Women in Film & Television has announced the honorees for its 2026 Muse Awards, with trailblazers across entertainment, journalism, sports, and media set to be recognized at this year’s ceremony.
The annual gala luncheon will take place March 20 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
This Year’s Honorees
- Audra McDonald – The Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award–winning actress and singer will be honored for her wide-ranging and celebrated career across stage and screen.
- Joy Reid – Reid will receive the Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism, recognizing her impact as a longtime political commentator and television host.
- Izzy Harrison – The New York Liberty forward will receive the inaugural Muse Award for Achievement in Sports & Media, marking the introduction of a new sports category.
Additional honorees include award-winning producer Jane Raab, actress Jamie Brewer, who will receive the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award, and director Patricia Cardoso, who will be presented with the Nancy Malone Directing Award.
“CBS Sunday Morning” contributor, comedian, and actress Nancy Giles will serve as emcee for the afternoon.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Celebration
Founded in 1977, NYWIFT has long focused on connecting, educating, and advocating for women in media to accelerate diversity and equity across the industry. The Muse Awards serve as the organization’s flagship fundraising event, drawing executives from major studios, broadcast and cable networks, and film production companies.
“Each year, the Muse Awards give us the opportunity to celebrate women whose work not only entertains and inspires, but also shapes culture and expands what’s possible in our industry,” said NYWIFT CEO Cynthia López in a statement. “Our 2026 honorees represent extraordinary excellence across performance, production, sports, and leadership.”
Kim Jackson, president of the NYWIFT Board of Directors, added that the introduction of a sports category reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding visibility and opportunity for women working across every corner of the media landscape.
As part of a broadcast partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, viewers can watch the 2025 ceremony on NYC Life on March 7, with an encore available online March 16. The 2026 ceremony will not air live but will be broadcast at a later date.