2026 Culturefix Awards: Gold Medal Diplomacy and Cultural Diplomacy Honoree Ceremony

On the evening of Thursday, June 4, Meridian International Center hosted the sixth annual Culturefix Awards Ceremony, the capstone event of its daylong Culturefix celebration.

This year’s program recognized leaders across sports, art, and culture whose work is shaping global connection in new and meaningful ways. The Gold Diplomacy Award was presented to Ilia Malinin, Breezy Johnson, and Chris Lillis—three athletes whose excellence and international presence exemplify the power of sport to transcend borders and foster mutual understanding. Then, Jeff Koons, Dr. Zahi Hawass, and Reem Acra were honored with the Cultural Diplomacy Award, each of whom has made a lasting impact by elevating culture as a vehicle for dialogue and exchange. Through contemporary art, archaeology, and fashion, their work bridges histories, identities, and audiences around the world.

The evening was emceed by Phil Mattingly, who guided the program with insight and energy, and stellar performances of “One Moment in Time,” “No One is Alone,” and “We Are the Champions” by Jamie Kaye, Hilary Morrow, Antony Bernardo, and the Greg Watkins Band reinforced the evening's central message that connection, understanding, and shared humanity are imperative to create a global path forward.

Together, this year’s program reflects the evolving spirit of Culturefix—where creativity, heritage, and athletic achievement come together to build connections, inspire collaboration, and advance a more interconnected and engaged future.