Diversity News Magazine reveals the official 2026 nominees celebrating excellence across media, entertainment, film, music, fashion, arts, and community leadership, with Russ Emanuel leading the nominations and Joy Marivic among the most recognized nominees.
Los Angeles, California — July 10, 2026 — Diversity News Magazine proudly announces the official nominees for the Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026, celebrating individuals, organizations, businesses, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose work represents diversity, equity, inclusion, culture, innovation, leadership, and excellence.
The inaugural awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, located inside Barnsdall Art Park in Hollywood, California, bringing together distinguished professionals, entertainers, creatives, entrepreneurs, media professionals, advocates, and community leaders for an unforgettable evening celebrating achievement and impact.
The 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 nominees represent a diverse group of professionals and organizations making meaningful contributions across their industries and communities.
“Every nominee represents dedication, passion, and excellence,” said Esteban Steven Escobar, Publisher and Executive Producer of the Diversity News Magazine Awards. “The purpose of these awards is to recognize individuals and organizations creating positive change, inspiring others, and demonstrating outstanding leadership, creativity, and service.”
The inaugural awards celebration will feature award presentations, live performances, fashion showcases, film and music showcases, special recognitions, and a celebration honoring individuals and organizations helping shape a more inclusive future.
2026 LEADING NOMINEES & MULTIPLE RECOGNITIONS
The Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 recognizes outstanding nominees receiving multiple recognitions for their achievements, creativity, and contributions across their respective fields.
Russ Emanuel — Four Recognitions
Filmmaker, producer, and creative storyteller Russ Emanuel leads the 2026 nominee list with four recognitions for his contributions to film, digital storytelling, fashion innovation, and independent creative production.
His recognitions include:
🏆 Trailblazer in Film or Television
🏆 Excellence in Digital Storytelling
🏆 Inclusive Fashion Innovator
🏆 Film Trailer Excellence Recognition
Russem Productions – “Staycation” Feature Film
Featuring filmmaker Russ Emanuel
Through Russem Productions, Russ Emanuel continues to showcase independent filmmaking, creative storytelling, and innovative projects that highlight diverse voices and artistic expression.
🏆 Joy Marivic — Multiple Recognitions
Singer, songwriter, and creative artist Joy Marivic is among the most recognized nominees of the 2026 awards, receiving multiple recognitions for her contributions to music and digital storytelling.
Her recognitions include:
🏆 Music Artist of the Year
🏆 Excellence in Digital Storytelling
Joy Marivic continues to inspire audiences through music, creativity, and meaningful storytelling.
VIEW THE OFFICIAL 2026 NOMINEES
The complete and updated list of official nominees for the Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 is available online.
To view the official nominee listings by award category, visit:
https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com/awardees/nominees/
The nominee page will continue to be updated as additional submissions are reviewed, verified, and officially accepted by the Diversity News Magazine Awards Selection Committee.
2026 OFFICIAL NOMINEES
MEDIA & JOURNALISM
Diversity Champion in Media
🏆 Nominee:
- May Goldi
Outstanding Independent Journalist
🏆 Nominee:
- Samantha Ofole-Prince
Excellence in Digital Storytelling
🏆 Nominees:
- Joy Marivic
- Russ Emanuel
Breakthrough Community Reporter
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
Lifetime Achievement in Journalism
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
ENTERTAINMENT & ARTS
Trailblazer in Film or Television
🏆 Nominee:
- Russ Emanuel
Music Artist of the Year
🏆 Nominee:
- Joy Marivic
Influencer for Social Change
🏆 Nominee:
- Thushari Jayasekera
Performer of the Year (Music or Acting)
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
Lifetime Achievement in the Arts
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
COMMUNITY & LEADERSHIP
Community Advocate of the Year
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
Diversity & Inclusion Innovator
🏆 Nominee:
- Dr. Consuelo Tolentino Rivera
Humanitarian of the Year
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
Nonprofit Leader for Social Justice
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
Philanthropist of the Year
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
FASHION & STYLE
Designer of the Year (Diversity Focused)
🏆 Nominee:
- Helay Ayoub – Kandahar Market
Inclusive Fashion Innovator
🏆 Nominee:
- Russ Emanuel
Model of the Year (Diversity Champion)
🏆 Nominee:
- Kimmarie Johnson
Fashion Visionary Award
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
Rising Star Designer
🏆 Nominees:
- To Be Announced
FILM TRAILER SHOWCASE — OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
The Diversity News Magazine Awards Film Trailer Showcase highlights independent filmmakers and creative storytellers. Selected trailers will be featured during the live awards ceremony.
Film Trailer Spotlight Award
🎬 Official Selection:
“ALL FOR NOW” Official Trailer 2023
Film Trailer Excellence Recognition
🎬 Official Selection:
Russem Productions – “Staycation” Feature Film
Featuring filmmaker Russ Emanuel
🎬 Official Selection:
Craig Railsback – “The Job” (2025)
Film Trailer Emerging Selection Award
🎬 Official Selection:
- To Be Announced
MUSIC SHOWCASE — OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
The Diversity News Magazine Awards Music Showcase celebrates emerging and established musical talent. Selected performances will be featured during the live awards ceremony.
Music Spotlight Award
🎶 Official Selection:
- To Be Announced
Music Excellence Recognition
🎶 Official Selection:
Lourdes Duque Baron – “Me and Mr. Jones” (feat. Aknu)
Music Rising Artist Award
🎶 Official Selection:
- To Be Announced
NOMINATION DEADLINE & SELECTION PROCESS
Nominations are currently open for the Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026.
The final nomination deadline is:
📅 July 31, 2026
Official nominees are individuals, organizations, and businesses submitted through the Diversity News Magazine Awards nomination process who meet the eligibility requirements established for the 2026 awards program.
All eligible nominations received by the deadline will be reviewed and considered by the Diversity News Magazine Awards Selection Committee.
Nominees are evaluated based on:
- Professional achievements
- Leadership
- Community impact
- Contributions to their field
- Creativity and innovation
- Commitment to diversity, inclusion, culture, and excellence
Each award category will recognize outstanding nominees, with one winner selected per category.
Being selected as a nominee does not guarantee selection as an award recipient. Final award recipients will be announced and recognized during the Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 celebration.
ATTEND THE HOLLYWOOD’S 1ST ANNUAL DIVERSITY NEWS MAGAZINE AWARDS 2026
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, achievement, diversity, culture, and leadership.
📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
📍 Barnsdall Gallery Theatre (Inside Barnsdall Art Park)
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
🎬 Red Carpet: 4:00 PM
🏆 Awards Show: 5:00 PM
Tickets
🎟 General Admission: $55
⭐ VIP Admission: $75
🎟 At the Door: $100
Purchase Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1st-annual-diversity-news-magazine-awards-tickets-1990365937097
About the Diversity News Magazine Awards
The Diversity News Magazine Awards is an annual awards program created to honor and celebrate outstanding individuals, organizations, businesses, artists, community leaders, and changemakers whose work embodies diversity, equity, inclusion, culture, innovation, leadership, and excellence.
Presented by Diversity News Magazine, the awards recognize professionals and organizations across multiple fields, including media, journalism, entertainment, arts, community leadership, fashion, film, music, and social impact.
The inaugural Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 celebrates those who inspire positive change, create meaningful contributions, and demonstrate exceptional dedication within their communities and industries. For more information visit https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com/
Congratulations to All 2026 Nominees
The Diversity News Magazine Awards proudly congratulates all official nominees for their dedication, achievements, creativity, leadership, and commitment to making a difference.
We look forward to celebrating our nominees, honorees, and award recipients during:
Hollywood’s 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026
📅 Saturday, August 22, 2026
📍 Barnsdall Gallery Theatre (Inside Barnsdall Art Park) — Hollywood, California
Celebrating Excellence Through Diversity, Culture, and Leadership.