Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1544119
1 2 P E R S P E C T I V E | M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 2 6 C i n e m a t i c I m a g e r y A w a r d P r e s i d e n t ' s A w a r d "...in a world, flooded with cynicism and data, where facts feel questionable and outrage is currency. Storytelling may be one of the last places we can still meet each other without all the armor and fiction, that allows you to hear something without interrogating the data. It lets empathy in, and no other medium gives us time and space to feel it the way film does." Jon M. Chu-Cinematic Imagery Award winner Awkwafina introduced this year's recipient of the Cinematic Imagery Award, director Jon M. Chu, recognizing his visionary approach to narrative design and imaginative storytelling. Known for his visually stunning blockbuster films, he has been widely recognized for both his artistic and commericial successes. Chu most recently directed the Wicked films, last year's Wicked and this year's conclusion to the saga, Wicked: For Good. The first film garnered Oscar nominations for both lead actresses, as well as a Best Film nomination, and of course, an Oscar win for the Production Design by Nathan Crowley. Chu's previous films include Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights. Chu has a wide range of projects currently in development, including a continuation of the Crazy Rich Asians story, Dr. Seuss' Oh, the Places You'll Go! and a Britney Spears' biopic. "We have made art that Americans laugh and cry at, and everything in between, and that shows the whole world what the values are of the United States. When you talk to people around the world about what freedom means to them, what democracy means, they learned about it from American film and television. They really did, and that is what we are trying to protect, when we say we need to protect the film and television industry." Laura Friedman-ADG President's Award winner IATSE Vice President Mike Miller presented the first President's Award, given to an individual outside the Guild whose leadership, advocacy and partnership have demonstratively advanced the interests of the ADG Local 800 and the broader mission of IATSE. The inaugural recipient of this honor is Congresswoman Laura Friedman, representative of California's 30th District. Prior to entering public service, Friedman worked as a film and television producer, and in both the State Assembly and now in Congress, she has been a tireless advocate for the entertainment industry. Laura has always concentrated on the needs of the people she serves, and is a leading voice on climate and sustainability, affordable housing, sexual harassment protection and maintains a focus on the future needs of her constituents. Since arriving in Congress, she has been a driving force behind a federal incentive program for film and television production. In presenting her with this award the ADG recognizes her tireless advocacy for our industry and her fierce support of labor values. JON M. CHU MIKE MILLER, LAURA FRIEDMAN AND DINA LIPTON