FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOS ANGELES, CA — August 10, 2026 — Diversity News Magazine, published by Diversity News Media Brands, proudly announces the final official nominees for the 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026.
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Los Angeles, California, celebrating excellence across media, journalism, entertainment, film, music, fashion, the arts and community leadership.
Top Most-Nominated Finalists:
–May Goldi — 5 Nominations Diversity Champion in Media Host of the Year Trailblazer in Film or Television Diversity & Inclusion Innovator Model of the Year (Diversity Champion)
-Russ Emanuel — 4 Nominations Excellence in Digital Storytelling Trailblazer in Film or Television Inclusive Fashion Innovator Film Trailer Excellence Recognition — Staycation
-Fawn — 3 Nominations Voiceover Artist of the Year Performer of the Year (Music or Acting) Lifetime Achievement in the Art
-Dawna Lee Heising — 2 Nominations Actress of the Year Magazine Cover Feature of the Yea
-Vida Ghaffari — 2 Nominations Legendary Actress of the Year Voiceover Artist of the Year
Several other nominees also received two nominations, including Joy Marivic, Kimmarie Johnson, Kate Linder (The Young and the Restless), Toni Hudson, Lilly Melgar, Malou Zagala Toler and Rose Ronterazo.
Official 2026 Nominees by Category
Media, Communications & Journalism
Diversity Champion in Media: May Goldi Outstanding Independent Journalist: Samantha Ofole-Prince Excellence in Digital Storytelling: Joy Marivic, Russ Emanuel Reporter of the Year: Naiia Lajoie Photographer of the Year: Rose Ronterazo – Roselle Azucena Photography; Francois Palais – Francois Palais Photography Videographer of the Year: Eddie Barber; Francois Francisco Palais Host of the Year: May Goldi; Lilly Melgar Media Personality of the Year: Nancy Salim Magazine Cover Feature of the Year: Dawna Lee Heising; Lourdes Duque Baron; Lou Baron Magazine / Newspaper Publication of the Year: Ly French – Porter Ranch Living; CSUN – Daily Sundial; Los Angeles Sentinel Diversity Media Outlet of the Year: Diversity News Magazine Breakthrough Community Reporter: Desiree Townsend Lifetime Achievement in Photojournalism: Clinton H. Wallace
Entertainment & Arts
Trailblazer in Film or Television: Russ Emanuel; May Goldi Producer of the Year: Joseph Williamson Entertainment Diversity Leadership Award: Surprise Honoree Announcement Actress of the Year: Dawna Lee Heising Legendary Actress of the Year: Vida Ghaffari; Kate Linder; Toni Hudson Voiceover Artist of the Year: Vida Ghaffari; Fawn Entertainment Excellence Award: 93rd Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade 2025 – Associated Television International Best Independent TV Project: Alicia Benavides – MIXED NUTS TV Comedy Series Music Artist of the Year: Joy Marivic; Taylor Dayne (Leslie Wunderman); Malou Zagala Toler Influencer for Social Change: Thushari Jayasekera Performer of the Year (Music or Acting): Fawn; Lilly Melgar; Malou Zagala Toler Lifetime Achievement in the Arts: Fawn; Kate Linder; Toni Hudson
Fashion Designer and nominee Sue WongCommunity & Leadership
Community Advocate of the Year: H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael; Sweet Water WeHo – Berni (Bernadette) Gambino; LA Pride / CSW Diversity & Inclusion Innovator: Dr. Consuelo Tolentino Rivera; May Goldi; Eddie Barber Outreach Achievement Award: SAMAAN CARINO FOUNDATION – Rose Ronterazo; Hollywood Christmas Parade Humanitarian of the Year: Jartu Mariam McConnell – Sensee Foundation of Hope Inc.; Trish Steele; AIDS Walk Los Angeles / APLA Health
Fashion & Style
Designer of the Year (Diversity Focused): Helay Ayoub – Kandahar Market; Sue Wong Inclusive Fashion Innovator: Russ Emanuel Model of the Year (Diversity Champion): Kimmarie Johnson; May Goldi Fashion Visionary Award: Kimmarie Johnson; Sue Wong Rising Female Model of the Year: Hasty Stella Poya
Film Trailer Showcase
Film Trailer Spotlight Award: Clinton H. Wallace – ALL FOR NOW Official Trailer (2023) Film Trailer Excellence Recognition: Russ Emanuel – Staycation / Russem Productions; Craig Railsback – The Job (2025)
Music Showcase
Music Excellence Recognition: Lourdes Duque Baron – Me and Mr. Jones (feat. Aknu)
Celebrating the 2026 Nominees The Diversity News Magazine Awards recognize individuals and organizations whose accomplishments demonstrate excellence, creativity, leadership, diversity, inclusion and meaningful community impact.
The 2026 nominees represent a diverse range of talent across media, entertainment, journalism, film, music, fashion, the arts and community leadership. Diversity News Magazine congratulates all of the final official nominees for their achievements and contributions.
Attend the 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026 Location: Barnsdall Gallery Theatre Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027 Red Carpet: 4:00 PM Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM
**Limited-Time 2-Ticket Special — Only $100
Hurry! This special offer expires August 14, 2026.**
Guests can purchase two General Admission tickets for only $100. After August 14, the special offer expires and ticket prices will increase.
Current General Admission: $65 per ticket Current VIP Admission: $125 per ticket Door Admission: $150
Purchase Tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-diversity-news-magazine-awards-tickets-1990365937097
Please note: The $100 two-ticket General Admission special expires August 14, 2026. Ticket prices, special offers, fees and availability are subject to change without notice. Prices and offers in effect at the time of purchase will apply.
Alternative Payment Guests may also reserve tickets through Zelle: 213-321-9408.
Please include your full name and event date, 8-22-2026, in the payment description.
Final Official Nominee Announcement
The nominees identified in this announcement constitute the final official nominees for the 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026. No additional nominees will be added.
Winners will be announced and honored during the live awards ceremony on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre in Hollywood.
Diversity News Magazine congratulates all of the 2026 Final Official Nominees and looks forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the inaugural awards ceremony.
About Diversity News Magazine: Published by Diversity News Media Brands, Diversity News Magazine is a multicultural print and digital publication dedicated to celebrating diversity, inclusion, entertainment, community leadership and human-interest stories worldwide. Through journalism, entertainment coverage, special events, productions and multimedia programming, Diversity News Magazine provides a platform for individuals and organizations making a positive difference in media, entertainment, business, education, fashion, the arts, public service and community leadership. The Diversity News Magazine Awards extend that mission by recognizing individuals and organizations whose accomplishments demonstrate the power of diversity, inclusion, creativity, leadership and community impact.
