The Motion Picture Association is proud to present its 2026 MPA Awards to leaders across U.S. creative, policy, and law enforcement communities – all of whom play a vital role in strengthening and safeguarding the film, television, and streaming industry.
2026 Honorees
MPA Creator Award
Francis Lawrence
Francis Lawrence has built a distinctive career across film, television, commercials and music videos over the past two decades. Whether directing Lady Gaga’s Grammy®-winning “Bad Romance” music video or helming four films in THE HUNGER GAMES franchise that grossed $2.6 billion worldwide, Lawrence continues to prove himself as a visionary director and producer with creative storytelling that transcends traditional demographics — conveying artistry on par with some of the world’s most influential artists. Lawrence returns to the HUNGER GAMES franchise with SUNRISE ON THE REAPING, releasing on November 20, continuing his role as the franchise’s director. Set 24 years before the events of the original film, the story follows the 50th Hunger Games, also known as the Second-Quarter Quell, and stars Joseph Zada, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Jesse Plemons and Glenn Close. Additionally, he is developing Lionsgate’s adaptation of Christopher Golden’s forthcoming supernatural thriller novel CARRY ME TO MY GRAVE alongside producing partner Cameron MacConomy through their about: blank banner and is eyeing to direct and produce the project. Lawrence also recently directed THE LONG WALK for Lionsgate, adapting Stephen King’s novel of the same name into an intense, chilling and emotional thriller that challenges audiences to confront a haunting question: how far could you go? With an eye for discovering emerging talent, Lawrence assembled a strong ensemble cast mixing newcomers — Cooper Hoffman, David Jonsson, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer and Roman Griffin Davis—with established actors Mark Hamill and Judy Greer. In 2024, Lawrence and producer Cameron MacConomy’s production company, about: blank, inked a first-look picture deal with Lionsgate, continuing their long-standing collaboration with the studio. Through about: blank, Lawrence continues to develop projects that balance commercial appeal with creative ambition. Lawrence made his filmmaking debut in 2005 with CONSTANTINE, starring Keanu Reeves and Rachel Weisz, followed by the 2007 post-apocalyptic I AM LEGEND with Will Smith. His filmography spans genres from the romantic drama WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, released in 2011 and starring Academy Award®-winning actress Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattinson, to the 2018 spy thriller RED SPARROW with Jennifer Lawrence, to Netflix’s family adventure SLUMBERLAND with Jason Momoa. The thread connecting Lawrence’s work is his clear ability to find humanity in the spectacular. His television work includes executive producing and directing AppleTV+’s SEE and STARZ’s THE SERPENT QUEEN, along with earlier series KINGS and FOX’s TOUCH starring Kiefer Sutherland. Prior to his work in film and television, Lawrence established himself directing music videos for well-known artists including Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, earning Grammy® and Latin Grammy® awards for his work with Lady Gaga and Shakira. His commercial portfolio includes campaigns for Gap, Calvin Klein, Coca-Cola and L’Oréal, among others.
MPA Industry Champion Award
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers
Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. Beginning as the Senate majority floor leader in 2008, he became the Senate president in 2013 and represents the body of the Kentucky Senate. As of Jan. 1, 2026, Stivers is in his 14th year of service as Kentucky Senate president. He is now the longest serving Senate president in Kentucky history. Stivers has been honored by Governing Magazine as a Public Official of the Year, is past chair of the Southern Legislative Conference, the largest regional association for legislators in the country, and past chair of the Council of State Governments, the only national organization serving all three branches of state government. Stivers is also past chair of the Senate President’s Forum, another national organization, and is still on their Board of Directors. Stivers graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in industrial management and a minor in economics. He earned his law degree from The University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law and is a practicing attorney in Manchester.
MPA Industry Champion Award
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock
Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock grew up in Kayton Homes public housing in Savannah, born one of twelve brothers and sisters raised in coastal Georgia. His father, a veteran, small businessman, and preacher, grew up in Burke and Screven County, GA. Senator Reverend Warnock’s mother grew up in Waycross, GA, where she spent summers picking tobacco and cotton. A graduate of Savannah’s Sol C. Johnson High School, Senator Raphael Warnock’s mother and extended family still lives in the Savannah area. Senator Warnock is a proud graduate of Morehouse College; after graduating from Morehouse, he went onto earn a PhD and begin his career ordained in the ministry. For over 15 years, Senator Warnock has served as Senior Pastor at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the former pulpit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is the youngest pastor selected to serve in that leadership role at the historic church. Senator Warnock was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate in the January 5, 2021, special election runoff for the term ending January 3, 2023, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Johnny Isakson, a seat previously held by appointed Senator Kelly Loeffler. He took the oath of office on January 20, 2021.
MPA Creative Protector Award
Egyptian Ministry of Interior
The Egyptian Ministry of Interior is the official government authority responsible for maintaining public security and order, protecting lives and property, and enforcing the law. The Ministry was established in 1805.
Through its specialized sectors, the Ministry works to achieve comprehensive security by utilizing the latest scientific and technological security systems, supported by highly qualified personnel with exceptional professional capabilities. It also places great emphasis on promoting public security awareness and strengthening cooperation with the community.
The Ministry has attached significant importance to the protection of intellectual property rights and artistic works, while adopting a firm approach in combating digital piracy and related crimes.
In The News
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Motion Picture Association Awards to Honor ‘Hunger Games’ Director Francis Lawrence (Variety | Brent Lang)
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Fifth Annual MPA Awards to Honor ‘Hunger Games’ Director, U.S. Legislators, and Egyptian Ministry of Interior (Motion Picture Association)
- Kentucky Senate president to receive Motion Picture Association Industry Champion Award (WKYT)
Past MPA Awards: