The Hollywood Reporter Leads SoCal Journalism Awards with 20 First-Place Honors
Entertainment

The Hollywood Reporter Leads SoCal Journalism Awards with 20 First-Place Honors

authorBy Shonda Rhimes
DateJun 29, 2026
Read Time3 min

The Hollywood Reporter achieved significant recognition at the 68th Southern California Journalism Awards, dominating with 20 first-place distinctions—a greater number than any other media organization. The publication received a grand total of 44 awards across all categories, including numerous second and third-place honors, underscoring its broad excellence in the field. This impressive haul follows a record-breaking 65 nominations for THR, further cementing its reputation for high-quality journalism within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Beyond the quantitative success, several individuals from The Hollywood Reporter were celebrated for their outstanding contributions. Gary Baum and Seth Abramovitch were jointly recognized as Journalists of the Year, acknowledging their impactful storytelling. David Rooney received the award for Best Film Critic, highlighting his insightful reviews, while Scott Feinberg was honored as Best Audio Anchor/Host for his compelling work in audio journalism. These individual accolades, alongside the team's collective achievements, emphasize THR's commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence across diverse platforms.

Triumph at the SoCal Journalism Awards

The Hollywood Reporter demonstrated exceptional journalistic prowess at the 68th Southern California Journalism Awards, securing an impressive 20 first-place accolades. This achievement distinguished THR as the leading publication among all contenders, underscoring its commitment to excellence in reporting across various platforms. The awards ceremony, held at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, celebrated top-tier journalism in diverse categories such as entertainment, politics, lifestyle, and technology, reflecting the broad scope and impact of the recognized works.

Overall, The Hollywood Reporter accumulated a remarkable 44 awards, including first, second, and third-place honors, as acknowledged by the Los Angeles Press Club. This substantial recognition highlights the depth and quality of THR's journalistic output. The wins spanned multiple formats, from print and online articles to broadcast and audio productions, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of the publication's team in delivering compelling content to its audience. The consistent success across such a wide array of categories firmly positions THR as a powerhouse in contemporary journalism.

Individual Excellence and Special Recognitions

The Hollywood Reporter's success at the SoCal Journalism Awards was not merely a team victory but also a testament to the exceptional talents of its individual journalists. Gary Baum and Seth Abramovitch were both honored with the prestigious Journalist of the Year awards, recognizing their significant contributions to the field. David Rooney earned the distinction of Best Film Critic, celebrated for his incisive and thoughtful reviews, while Scott Feinberg was acclaimed as Best Audio Anchor/Host, underscoring his captivating presence and compelling interviews in audio format.

In addition to these individual triumphs, the ceremony also paid tribute to other influential figures in media. Craig Melvin of NBC received the President's Award for his profound impact on media, and country artist Kenny Chesney was presented with the Public Service Award for his civic contributions. Maria Ressa, a journalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was honored with the Daniel Pearl Award for courage and integrity, while Rob Fukuzaki of ABC7 and Carol Sobel received the Lifetime Achievement and Guardian Awards, respectively, for their unwavering dedication to journalism and press freedom.

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