Reba McEntire, Bill Lawrence, and Ynon Kreiz to Receive Paley Honors
The Paley Center for Media has announced that country music icon Reba McEntire, acclaimed television executive producer Bill Lawrence, and Ynon Kreiz, chairman and CEO of Mattel, will be honored at the upcoming 2025 Paley Honors Fall Gala. This prestigious event will take place on November 10, 2025, at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The gala aims to raise funds to support the Paley Center’s educational initiatives and the preservation of its extensive media archive.
Celebrating Distinctive Contributions to Entertainment
During a recent announcement, Maureen J. Reidy, president and CEO of the Paley Center, expressed excitement about this year’s honorees. “We are honored to present each of these distinguished honorees with our highest recognition, The Paley Honors Award,” she stated. Reidy highlighted Kreiz’s leadership at Mattel, which has transformed the company into a global media and entertainment leader. She also acknowledged Lawrence’s contributions over more than two decades, creating beloved characters and series such as “Scrubs,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Shrinking.” McEntire’s multifaceted career—spanning concert arenas, Broadway, and television—has earned her a dedicated fan base worldwide.
McEntire, a member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Bowl, has garnered over 50 awards throughout her career. These include accolades from the Academy of Country Music (ACM), Country Music Association (CMA), Grammy Awards, and American Music Awards. She was also honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 2018. Reflecting on her journey, McEntire remarked, “Ever since I was a little girl watching Annie Oakley on our black and white TV in Oklahoma, I was captivated by the magic of media and entertainment. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had, and it means so much to me to receive this honor from the Paley Center.”
Distinguished Careers in Media
Bill Lawrence has built a prolific career in television, contributing to numerous hit series beyond those previously mentioned, including “Cougar Town,” “Bad Monkey,” and “Spin City.” His upcoming projects include an untitled comedy for HBO starring Steve Carell and “Bad Monkey” for Apple TV featuring Vince Vaughn. Recently, he received the Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence from the Writers Guild of America East. In his acceptance statement, Lawrence expressed gratitude to the Paley Center for their commitment to preserving the cultural impact of media: “As a storyteller, I’m grateful for their commitment to safeguarding and celebrating the cultural impact of media.”
Under Ynon Kreiz’s leadership, Mattel has expanded its entertainment offerings significantly, venturing into film, television, digital games, live events, and music. The company’s recent success with the film “Barbie,” which achieved the largest global box office in 2023, has further solidified its status in the industry. Kreiz stated, “The Paley Center’s 50-year commitment to preserving media’s rich history, while fostering dialogue about its impact on culture, is invaluable. It is a privilege to support the organization and be recognized among such accomplished honorees, past and present.”
The Paley Honors Fall Gala not only celebrates these remarkable individuals but also underscores the importance of media and entertainment in shaping cultural narratives. As the event approaches, anticipation builds for a night that promises to highlight the achievements and contributions of these notable figures in the industry.
