LOS ANGELES — The Walt Disney Company emerged as a standout at this year’s Gracie Awards, which celebrate influential women in media. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) revealed the recipients, applauding the women whose storytelling is both compelling and transformative.
“Stories told by women not only reflect our world but actively reshape it, challenging the status quo,” stated Becky Brooks, president of AWMF. “This year’s awardees are making significant impacts across various platforms and audiences. We are proud to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate their achievements.”
Disney’s accolades covered a wide spectrum of its brands, including ABC News, Hulu, ESPN, National Geographic, and Disney Branded Television. Among the top recognitions, ABC News Studios and Hulu secured a Grand Award for their documentary, “Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything.”
In the drama category, Hulu’s “Paradise” clinched the top honor, while “Dancing with the Stars” was recognized as the leading competition series. Disney Branded Television celebrated wins with “Wizards Beyond Waverly Place” in the family series category, “Harlem Ice” for sports documentary series, and “The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl” in another category. The animated comedy episode “Aunt Misbehavin’” from “The Simpsons” also earned recognition.
ABC News’s “Nightline” was awarded best news program, and “20/20” took home the prize for news magazine. Deborah Roberts was honored as the audio podcast host for “20/20: After Show.” ESPN’s Jenn Hildreth received accolades for her on-air talent, and Kristen Lappas was recognized as best director for “The Kingdom.”
Disney’s documentary and scripted works also garnered praise, with National Geographic’s “Sally” winning in the documentary category and “Cleopatra’s Final Secret” honored as a historical documentary. In streaming, Hulu’s Sharon Horgan was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role in “The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox,” and Quiana Burns was named top non-fiction showrunner for “The Tamron Hall Show.”
Local and student winners, including WABC’s Sam Ryan and the team behind ABC7 KGO-TV’s “A Mother’s Hope,” will be recognized later this summer at the Gracie Awards Luncheon.
The celebration will continue at the Gracie Awards Gala on Tuesday, May 19, at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills. National winners will be honored at the Gala alongside fellow 2026 recipients including Oprah Winfrey, Abby Phillip and Sarah Snook.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney and this ABC station.
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