February 2024 Newsletter
Some things never change: Hollywood's influence on the world, EMA Board Member Ed Begley Jr's commitment to reducing his carbon footprint to the size of a thimble, and the belief that our Earth is worth saving. That's why a few date changes, industry strikes, and winter weather couldn't alter the massive influence of the EMA Awards. Despite the obstacles, the 33rd EMA Awards, presented for the 23rd year by Toyota Motor North America, was one of our biggest yet, which couldn't come at a more critical time. And when we say big, we mean it! With over 15 billion media impressions and 77 million social media impressions, the EMA Awards reached more people than ever before!
Our thoughtful leader, CEO Debbie Levin, set the tone early, offering a path forward, a realistic solution that Hollywood can achieve if it puts in the work.
"We urgently need solutions for the global community, not only Hollywood and California. There's a whole world that doesn't have access to nor the ability to afford the luxury of choice. That's why we are responsible for sharing doable actions that are universally achievable and will enable the temperature escalation to slow through our tremendous ability to educate." Since our industry has the power to change minds and shift narratives, all of us must work to tell climate stories focused on healing, hope, and education.
As EMA moves forward zealously with this message of unity and equitable solutions, we remember those who shared our mission. During the show, Ed Begley Jr. paid tribute to two patrons of our planet and EMA: One of EMA's Co-Founders, Norman Lear, and Board Member Angus Mitchell. With champions like Norman and Angus, EMA went from a humble industry association to an organization with global recognition and impact. Our ongoing work will forever be in their honor.
Solutions for All!
What do we want? Solutions! When do we want them? Now! One of the most inspiring throughlines of the EMA Awards was its focus on solutions. On EMA's end, we showcased that our industry is progressing, with a record-setting 318 EMA Green Seals in 2023! Further, our incredible presenters, Honoree, and winners got the memo and shared their hopeful solutions onstage.
On too many occasions, our movement has framed the youth as our rescuer, but EMA Activist Board Member Genesis Butler reminded the room that everyone has a role. Speaking about her involvement in the upcoming Genesis B. v. EPA case, supported by Our Children's Trust, Genesis galvanized the room into action. "Many people ask how they can support my work and the work of other youth activists. The first thing you can do as adults is show up for us because support from adults is important, especially since we are all working to ensure a future on this planet. We ask that you continue supporting Genesis v. EPA by following the case, sharing updates with your audience, and offering encouragement because it goes a long way."
And while many environmental topics are troubling, we must focus on the positive, the hope of a brighter tomorrow. Storytelling plays a significant role in that mindset, which is what EMA Ongoing Commitment Award Recipient and industry icon Laura Dern urged the audience to consider during her speech. For too long, we've tried to scare people into climate action. While we can't ignore our harrowing reality, it's time for a new approach. "Let's consider talking less perhaps about climate change – which I think scares the hell out of people – and talk more about climate rescue, a vision of our future that offers a plan," she said. "Let's invite everyone into this space … Let's see all of us not as heroes or villains but as a community standing together and fighting for what's right." We couldn't agree more with Laura's framework for getting more people involved in the movement. Our end goal isn't to be right; it's to create a healthier and more sustainable future for ALL.
And her message resonated. Before presenting the Award for Best Documentary, 2018 EMA Lifetime Achievement Recipient Jane Fonda reminded the audience that good things are happening, pointing to President Biden's recent pauses of the LNG pipeline, which is a win for our planet and our health. Further, Jane was pleased to reveal "Common Ground" as the winner of best documentary. The documentary, featuring EMA Board Members Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed and Honoree Laura Dern, encourages its audience to promote a climate solution that can help us all: regenerative agriculture.
Soak up the Sun
As the legendary, nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow sang before introducing Laura, "It's not having what you want. It's wanting what you've got." And what we have is something special. Our industry already has the solutions; we need the will to put them to use.
As always, the EMA Awards proudly showcased such solutions via our partners, venue, and actions. For example, we called Las Palmas Sunset Studiosour home for the second time. Las Palmas is the ideal venue, considering the studio is carbon-neutral, composts, and utilizes vertical gardens to grow food. Further, we are honored to have recognized Las Palmas Sunset Studios with our first EMA Green Seal for Studios in 2022 as they continue to expand their sustainable practices!
Another easy solution any Hollywood Awards show or premiere can utilize? Vegan food! Thanks to the talented minds at Crossroads Kitchen, attendees enjoyed a delicious and sophisticated vegan dinner. Hollywood events draw a lot of eyeballs, hence our 15 billion media impressions, which is why showcasing like-minded brands and products is essential.
Enjoying one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood, EMA, and Toyota Motor North America drive forward on our mutual journey to offer sustainable mobility options for all people. As Michael Moore, General Manager, Vehicle Marketing and Communications, said during his keynote speech, "We want to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against carbon. A key part of that vision is giving customers electrified options to find the solution that best fits their needs." Attendees got to view a few of these options with the bz4x – battery electric, Mirai – hydrogen fuel cell electric, and Land Cruiser – hybrid electric, on display.
We hope our EMA Awards inspire other Hollywood events, from premieres to award shows, to showcase sustainable solutions!
Thank YOU!
As we look forward to the 34th Annual EMA Awards, we must reflect on our longevity and how we continue to grow in relevancy year after year. What makes the EMA Awards such a special event? The people! First, we can't thank our hosts enough for bringing much-needed humor between such heavy topics. EMA Board Chair Lance Bass, Cheri Oteri, and Melissa Peterman: you nailed it! Next, we thank those behind the scenes: The accommodating team at Las Palmas Sunset Studios, all of our incredible sponsors, our media partners at The Hollywood Reporter, our long-time writer David Wild, our studio partners, the ever-professional SennovA team, the ISM agency for graphics support,Element Brand Groupfor their amazing PR support, Eli and Giovanni of ESE Lifestyle for making the EMA Awards beautiful, and our hardworking EMA staff!
Finally, we'd like to thank all our nominees, winners, and attendees for making the 33rd EMA Awards one we will never forget.
Okay, who's ready to do it again this fall? See you there!
