Environmental Media Association’s 34th annual awards gala: A celebration of sustainability in Hollywood

A night dedicated to a greener future

The Environmental Media Association (EMA) hosted its 34th annual awards gala on Saturday night, drawing together Hollywood’s finest to celebrate and recognize productions committed to sustainability. Held at the historic Radford Studios, the event showcased outstanding efforts from the entertainment industry to promote and incorporate eco-friendly practices.

Hosting the star-studded evening

EMA board member Malin Akerman and actor Dermot Mulroney, co-stars in the upcoming Starz series The Hunting Wives, charmed the crowd as hosts. Their seamless chemistry and engaging presence kept the audience entertained throughout the night. The gala commenced with inspiring remarks from board member Lance Bass and EMA CEO Debbie Levin, emphasizing the importance of appealing to younger generations and their role in driving sustainable change.

Honoring young trailblazers

One of the highlights of the evening was the EMA Futures Award, a recognition granted to young industry professionals who are making significant strides in promoting a greener lifestyle. This year’s recipient was Quinta Brunson, renowned for her work on the hit TV show Abbott Elementary.

A moving tribute by Chris Perfetti

In a heartfelt introduction, Chris Perfetti, Brunson’s co-star on Abbott Elementary, extolled her virtues with genuine admiration.

“Quinta Brunson is nothing less than a force of nature, a modern marvel. I believe fervently that a hundred years from now, scientists will study her brain to better understand human productivity and genius,” Perfetti proclaimed.

He continued, highlighting her compassionate leadership and the cohesive environment she has fostered on the set of Abbott Elementary.

“The vast majority of our crew have been with us since the pilot, which is rare. That is because Quinta has created a place that you don’t want to be without,” he added. “How’s that for sustainability?”

Brunson’s inspiring words

Taking the stage with grace, Brunson expressed her gratitude and emphasized the collective responsibility to protect our planet.

“Like all of you in the room tonight, I care deeply about this planet that we all share,” she addressed the crowd. “I feel proud to be part of a community that values sustainability, and I’m excited to keep moving forward on that path without just recycling and composting old jokes.”

Drawing inspiration from TV legend Norman Lear and music icon Bob Marley, Brunson underscored the urgency of addressing the myriad of environmental issues that plague our world.

“That’s why we’re here, because we all have to do what we can to hand over this planet and make it sustainable for those kids on Abbott Elementary and the amazing members of the Pasadena Girls Choir who sang ‘Big Yellow Tennessee,'” she emphasized.

Brunson concluded her speech with a heartfelt promise to continue championing sustainable initiatives.

“Thank you for your faith in me, I will do my best to continue to be worthy of it,” she said. “Thank you even more so for all you have done and will do for the future of all of our children.”

Star-studded presenters and notable winners

The evening saw several prominent figures, including Ed Begley Jr. and his daughter Hayden Begley, as well as Nikki Reed, Ian Somerhalder, and Jesse Metcalfe, take the stage to present awards. The list of winners showcased a diverse array of productions dedicated to promoting sustainability.

Feature Film:

Winner: Twisters – Amblin, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Pictures
Nominees: Dune: Part Two – Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – Warner Bros. Pictures, The Marvels – Marvel Studios.

Documentary Film:

Winner: Bad River – 50 Eggs Films
Nominees: Wilding – Passion Planet and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion – HBO / Max.

Drama Series:

Winner: True Detective: Night Country, “Part 5” – HBO / Max
Nominees: Poacher, “The Confessor” – QC Entertainment, Amazon, Industry, “Il Mattino Ha L’Oro in Bocca” – HBO / Max.

Paul Junger Witt Comedy Series:

Winner: Hacks, “One Day” – Universal Television
Nominees: The Curse, “It’s A Good Day” – Showtime, The Simpsons, “Thirst Trap: A Corporate Love Story” – A Gracie Films Production in Association with 20th Television Animation.

Documentary Series:

Winner: Planet III, “Ocean” – BBC America
Nominees: Secrets of the Octopus, “Masterminds” – National Geographic, Sealight Pictures, Wildstar Films, Earthship Productions, On the Roam with Jason Momoa, “The Phantom and the Electric Way” – Max in association with On the Roam.

Variety Series:

Winner: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, “Corn Production” – HBO in association with Peyance Productions and Avalon Television
Nominees: Real Time with Bill Maher, “Eric Schlosser, Frank Bruni, Douglas Murray” – HBO in association with Bill Maher Productions.

Reality Series:

Winner: Top Chef, “The Good Land” – NBCUniversal, Bravo
Nominees: OMG Fashun, “Plastics” – NBCUniversal, Shark Tank, “Global Sharks come together at the United Nations for the SDGs” – Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Children’s Series:

Winner: A Real Bug’s Life, “Braving the Backyard” – National Geographic, Plimsoll Productions
Nominees: Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, “Hope and Socks” – The Jim Henson Company, Cyberchase, “Hacker’s Birthday Bash” – THIRTEEN.

The EMA Awards gala was a powerful reminder of the entertainment industry’s potential to influence and inspire meaningful change. As Hollywood continues to embrace sustainability, it sets a shining example for audiences and creators alike. Share this inspiring story on social media and stay tuned for more updates on the impact of sustainability in entertainment.