Hollywood Goes Green: Celebrating Eco-Conscious Storytelling at the 35th Environmental Media Awards
The entertainment industry rolled out the green carpet (metaphorically, of course) this weekend for the 35th annual Environmental Media Association Awards. This star-studded event, hosted by reality TV darlings Ariana Madix and Harry Jowsey, wasn't just about glitz and glamour; it was a celebration of projects that not only entertain but also champion environmental awareness and sustainable production practices. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the message on screen, but the behind-the-scenes efforts to minimize the industry's environmental footprint.
Among the big winners were The Wild Robot, a heartwarming tale of a robot's journey in the natural world, and The Daily Show, proving that laughter can be a powerful tool for highlighting environmental issues. Grey's Anatomy, The Americas, and Common Side Effects also took home awards, showcasing the diverse ways storytelling can engage audiences on environmental themes.
The evening also honored Rainn Wilson with the EMA Ongoing Commitment Award for his tireless environmental activism. Lance Bass lent his executive producing skills to the event, while Boyz II Men's Shawn Stockman serenaded the crowd. A constellation of stars, including Malin Åkerman, Miranda Cosgrove, and Kathy Griffin, joined EMA CEO Debbie Levin in celebrating the intersection of entertainment and environmental responsibility.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the awards celebrate progress, they also raise questions. Are these efforts enough to combat the industry's overall environmental impact? Can entertainment truly drive meaningful change, or is it just a drop in the ocean? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Here's a breakdown of the winners across various categories:
Feature Film
* Jurassic World Rebirth – Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
* The Wild Robot – DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures (WINNER)
* Wicked – Universal Pictures
Documentary Film
* Yanuni – Malaika Pictures (WINNER)
* Octopus! – Amazon MGM Studios, Jigsaw Productions, Wells Street Films
* The Last Rhinos: A New Hope – National Geographic, Sixty-Six Media Inc.
Paul Junger Witt Comedy Series
* Common Side Effects, “S1 Ep 1 Pilot” – Adult Swim (WINNER)
* Abbott Elementary, “Volunteers” – Warner Bros. Television
* The Simpsons, “The Past and the Furious” – A Gracie Films Production in Association with 20th Television Animation
Documentary Series
* The Americas, “The Gulf Coast” – BBC Studios Natural History Unit, in association with Universal Television Alternative Studio (WINNER)
* Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild, “Safe Passage For Whales” – Hearst Media Production Group, Mutual of Omaha
* Wild Hope, “Thunder and Fire” – HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Red Rock Films
Reality Series
* Top Chef, “Foraged in Fire” – NBCUniversal, Bravo, Magical Elves
* The Visioneers with Zay Harding, “Sustainable Skylines” – Hearst Media Production Group, VoLo Foundation (WINNER)
* Life Below Zero, “Night Moves” – Produced by BBC Studios for National Geographic
Children’s Series
* Jane, “Pan Troglodytes” – Apple TV+ in association with Sinking Ship Entertainment
* Mission Unstoppable, “Filtering Water, Frog Babies, and Firefighting” – Hearst Media Production Group, Lyda Hill Philanthropies, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media (WINNER)
* A Real Bug’s Life, “Love in the Forest” – National Geographic, Plimsoll Productions
Drama Series
* Alien: Earth, “Neverland” – FX on Hulu
* Yellowstone, “Life is a Promise” – Linson Entertainment, Bosque Ranch Productions, Treehouse Films, 101 Studios, MTV Entertainment Studios
* Paradise, “The Day” – 20th Television
* Grey’s Anatomy, “Drop it Like it’s Hot” – Shondaland & 20th Television (WINNER)
Variety Series
* The Daily Show, “Nick Offerman Is Sounding the Alarm: America’s National Parks Are Under Attack” – Comedy Central (Paramount) (WINNER)
* Aventura Gastronómica Colombia, “S3 episode Taganga” – Sony Pictures Television
* Real Time With Bill Maher, “S23 E13: April 25, 2025: Al Gore, Sen. Adam Schiff, Bret Stephens” – HBO in association with Bill Maher Productions
Student Film
* Patchwork In Progress – Cal State Long Beach
* Nishi – IAFM – Eco Film Lab Residency (WINNER)
* Ashes to the Eyes – The City College of New York
The Environmental Media Awards serve as a reminder that entertainment can be a powerful force for good. By celebrating these achievements, we not only applaud the winners but also encourage the industry to continue pushing boundaries in both storytelling and sustainability.
