New York City is set to celebrate its film and television industry with the 2025 "Made in NY" awards, highlighting the indelible contributions of several industry stalwarts. According to a statement released by the Mayor’s Office, Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman will host the ceremony at Gracie Mansion on June 16, marking the first time in a decade that the mayor's official residence will serve as the venue. Among the honorees are film industry luminaries like Darren Aronofsky, Michelle Buteau, Tracy Morgan, and labor leader Thomas J. O’Donnell.
The awards, since their inception in 2006, have looked to celebrate those who have made significant contributions to New York City’s media scene. This year, the Adams administration is particularly vocal about their efforts to expand tax credits and bolster NYC as a film and TV hotspot. "These stories create more than just movie magic — they drive our economy, support tens of thousands of good-paying jobs, and keep our cultural legacy alive," Mayor Adams told the Mayor's Office news desk. Notably, the ceremony is strategically placed after the Tribeca Festival, coalescing key industry stakeholders and showcasing the city's prolific production scene.
Commissioner Kaufman expressed enthusiasm about this year's honorees, stating they "collectively help tell a powerful story about the resilience and future of New York City’s film and TV industry." The commissioner specifically noted the honorees' commitment to producing in NYC, vital for both job creation and economic growth, despite challenges such as the pandemic and industry strikes. Their work continues to make NYC a "City of Yes" for production, says Kaufman in remarks obtained by the Mayor’s Office.
Darren Aronofsky, whose work has consistently highlighted the city's raw and dynamic character, will receive a special joint award with the Tribeca Festival. "New York City is the greatest city in the world.", "It's also the greatest canvas in the world," Aronofsky has said, according to the Mayor's Office statement. Comedian and actress Michelle Buteau, Emmy-winning producer Celia Costas, and actor and comedian Tracy Morgan are also set to be recognized for their impact and affinity to the city's film industry. Thomas J. O'Donnell will be honored for his support of NYC productions and the advancement of labor interests within the industry.
The evening's entertainment promises to reflect the city's diverse cultural tapestry, featuring Brooklyn native Ralph McDaniels, the founder and curator of Video Music Box. With support from several prominent industry names, including Sony Pictures Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery, the "Made in NY" Awards are poised to be a vibrant celebration of New York City's enduring role as a bedrock of American cinema and television, according to the Mayor's Office.
