Luis Fernández, Chairman, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises to be awarded the North Star during the inaugural NATPE Honors in Miami
NATPE Global unveiled the NATPE Honors Awards Gala, a new celebration recognizing trailblazing individuals whose creativity and visionary leadership are reshaping the entertainment industry. Hosted by Entertainment Tonight anchor Nischelle Turner, the gala will take place on February 5th, 2025, as part of the NATPE Global conference at the InterContinental Miami.
“Following in the footsteps of the longstanding Brandon Tartikoff Awards, the NATPE Honors were created to celebrate the people who are pushing boundaries,” says Mary Maddever, NATPE Executive Content Director and EVP Realscreen. “Each year, we’ll recognize individuals who not only challenge the status quo but also inspire change through their creative work and business leadership.”
“The NATPE Honors is a celebration of the extraordinary talent and leadership driving our industry forward,” said NATPE Global Executive Director Claire MacDonald. “These recipients inspire us with their bold ideas and unwavering commitment to excellence, and we’re thrilled to celebrate their contributions at our inaugural gala in Miami.”
The inaugural NATPE Honors awardees include:
North Star Award: Recognizes career achievements of individuals whose strong leadership has had a bar-raising impact, guiding as the industry navigates change.
-Paul Buccieri, president & Chairman, A+E Networks Group
-Luis Fernández, Chairman, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
Shift Disturber Award: Honors individuals whose bold ideas and leadership are driving transformative change.
-Kelly Day, VP International, Prime Video.
-SHONDALAND / Betsy Beers
New Establishment Award: Celebrates emerging leaders whose new ideas and creative endeavors are shaking things up and charting a new path.
-Brian Tannenbaum, Head of Originals, Roku Media
Cause + Action Award: Celebrates a purpose-led champion of change for their social good impact.
-Ri-Karlo Handy, CEO & Founder, Handy Foundation
The NATPE Honors Awards Gala will become an annual tradition, celebrating the most visionary leaders in entertainment and media.
In addition to the awards gala, NATPE Global 2025 will bring together key buyers, sellers, and decision-makers from across the media ecosystem, featuring top international studios such as Amazon MGM Studios Distribution, BBC Studios, FOX Entertainment Global, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal Global TV Distribution, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. Discovery Content Sales. With 300+ buyers from 35 countries already registered, the conference is set to be a premier hub for deal-making and innovation.
For the first time, Realscreen Summit will co-locate with NATPE Global. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect with industry leaders and innovators across the full spectrum of entertainment and media. Throughout the week spanning NATPE Global and Realscreen Summit, the agenda centers on bringing the Future of Media into sharper focus – what to expect in 2030.
WAWA’s Woman of the Year returns to Miami during NATPE Global 2025
