Joel Kim Booster to Host First Joint Climate and Nature Media Awards in Los Angeles

The entertainment industry’s climate and nature storytelling sectors are merging their recognition efforts for the first time. Comedian and actor Joel Kim Booster will host the inaugural joint presentation of the Jackson Wild and Hollywood Climate Summit Media Awards on November 10 in Los Angeles.

The event serves as the closing segment of the Nature Media Exchange, a summit scheduled for November 9 and 10 at the Solotech venue. The program aims to recognize narratives focused on nature and climate change across various formats, including film, television, video games, and digital platforms. Actor Matthew Lawrence will also participate as a guest presenter during the evening.

Two recipients have been selected for the 2026 Legacy Awards presented by Jackson Wild. Louie Psihoyos, an Oscar-winning documentarian known for The Cove, is one honoree. Julie Packard, co-founder of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, is the second recipient.

Christie Quinn, executive director of Jackson Wild, commented on the selection of the two honorees. Quinn stated that Psihoyos has demonstrated the power of fearless storytelling, noting that his films move audiences to take action. She added that his work has redefined how the industry thinks about impact. Regarding Packard, Quinn said few people have done more to connect the general public with the ocean. She described Packard's vision for the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a redefinition of the institution, turning it into a place of wonder and a hub for scientific research.

The partnership between Jackson Wild and the Hollywood Climate Summit was announced in March. Under the new structure, each organization oversees its own specific categories and judging processes. This arrangement allows distinct aspects of nature and climate storytelling to be recognized separately.

The Hollywood Climate Summit has identified its finalists for the upcoming awards. The nominated works include Bugonia, Remarkably Bright Creatures, The Wild Robot, This is a Gardening Show, and Train Dreams. The list also features The Last of Us, Hacks, and The Four Seasons.

Jackson Wild has selected its own set of finalists for its portion of the ceremony. These titles include A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough, Secrets of the Bees: The Hive, Shark Whisperer, and Time and Water. Winners from both organizations will be announced during the November 10 ceremony, which will be live streamed on the Context Collaborative YouTube channel.