Lights, camera, accolades! The 62nd ICG Publicists Awards unfolded in grand style at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, honoring the unsung heroes behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. With the 97th Oscars just around the corner, this year's ceremony felt like a prelude to the industry's biggest night, spotlighting the publicists, photographers, and campaigns that make the magic happen. From Universal's Wicked to Disney+'s Agatha All Along, the winners list reads like a who's who of entertainment's most buzzworthy projects. But the real showstopper? Kathy Bates, who took home the Television Showperson of the Year Award. Let's dive into the highlights!
Expanding on Key Details:
The ICG Publicists Awards, hosted by the International Cinematographers Guild, is a storied event that traces its roots back to 1937, when publicists first unionized as the Screen Publicists Guild. Over the decades, it has evolved into a celebration of the artistry and hustle behind the scenes. This year's ceremony was no exception, with a mix of veteran honorees and fresh faces taking the stage.
Top Honors:
- Maxwell Weinberg Award for Motion Picture Publicity Campaign: Universal's Wicked snagged the top film prize, proving that the hype around this long-awaited adaptation is very much alive.
- Maxwell Weinberg Award for Television Publicity Campaign: Disney+'s Agatha All Along won big in the TV category, cementing Marvel's dominance in both storytelling and marketing.
Individual Achievements:
- Publicist of the Year: Rachael Roth, a unit publicist whose work has been instrumental in shaping the narratives of some of Hollywood's biggest hits.
- Press Award: Perri Nemiroff of Collider, whose incisive coverage has made her a trusted voice in entertainment journalism.
- International Media Award: John Nugent of Empire Magazine UK, a testament to the global reach of film and TV publicity.
Special Mentions:
- Kathy Bates, the beloved star of Matlock, was honored as the 2025 Television Showperson of the Year. Her acceptance speech, filled with wit and warmth, reminded us why she's a national treasure.
- Bill Mona of Disney received the Les Mason Award for Career Achievement, a nod to his decades of shaping the public image of one of the world's most iconic studios.
Behind the Lens:
The awards also celebrated the often-overlooked art of unit still photography. Chibella James took home the prize for motion pictures, while Michele K. Short was recognized for her work in television. These photographers capture the fleeting moments that define a production, preserving them for posterity.
The 2025 ICG Publicists Awards were a masterclass in recognizing the people who make Hollywood tick. While the stars may shine on screen, it's the publicists, photographers, and journalists who ensure their stories reach the world. This year's winners—from Wicked to Kathy Bates—reflect an industry in transition, balancing nostalgia with innovation.
But let's be real: in an era of viral marketing and social media frenzy, do traditional publicity campaigns still hold the same weight? Or are we witnessing the dawn of a new era, where TikTok trends and influencer partnerships overshadow the tried-and-true methods? What do you think—could the future of publicity be as unpredictable as a Marvel plot twist?
