The International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) is set to honor Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group with its most esteemed accolade, the International Honor for Excellence, as the studio celebrates its 100th anniversary. The award will be presented during the annual IBC Innovation Awards ceremony on September 17th in Amsterdam.
Warner Bros. is renowned for its commitment to innovative storytelling, and this recognition from IBC solidifies its position as a pioneer in the industry. Co-chairs and CEOs, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, expressed their delight in accepting the award, stating that Warner Bros. has always been at the forefront of the entertainment industry. They emphasized their dedication to continuing the studio’s legacy of impactful storytelling that resonates with audiences on a global scale.
The success of films like Barbie is a testament to Warner Bros.’ ability to create stories that not only entertain but also have a meaningful impact on societies and cultures worldwide. De Luca and Abdy look forward to the next hundred years of Warner Bros., where they aim to showcase best-in-class movies told by incredible storytellers. They expressed excitement over seeing a new generation of visionaries take the studio to new heights.
IBC commended Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group for its ability to adapt to the ever-changing media and entertainment landscape. From its origins as a cinema pioneer, the company has evolved into an industry leader across various sectors, including feature film, television, direct-to-consumer production, animation, comic books, video games, consumer products, themed entertainment, studio tours, and brand licensing. Additionally, IBC highlighted Warner Bros.’ extensive library of more than 145,000 hours of programming.
The CEO of IBC, Mike Crimp, emphasized the profound impact that Warner Bros.’ work has had on the industry and society over the past century. Through its films, television programming, and other productions, Warner Bros. has shaped culture and our understanding of the world.
In addition to honoring Warner Bros., IBC announced several other special award recipients. The inaugural IBC Changemaker Award will be presented to the Eurovision Song Contest, recognizing its cultural significance and the global production network involved in delivering the event. With 162 million viewers across five continents, the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, organized by the BBC and the EBU on behalf of Ukraine’s UA:PBC, captivated audiences worldwide.
The Women in Streaming Media Mentorship Program will receive the Special Award for Social Impact. This international initiative focuses on career development and personal growth for women in the streaming media industry. The program aims to empower women to excel in their careers and make a significant impact in the field.
Meanwhile, the German DVB-I pilot will be recognized with the Special Award for Innovation. This collaborative initiative brings together stakeholders from the German media industry, including broadcasters and device manufacturers, to advance the DVB-I digital television standard. The German DVB-I pilot is at the forefront of shaping the future of digital television.
Lastly, the authors of the Best Technical Paper Award will be acknowledged for their contribution to deploying a 5G standalone non-public network during the coronation of King Charles III. This technical paper highlights the advancements in network technology and its significance in supporting large-scale events.
The IBC Innovation Awards serve as a platform to honor industry leaders and innovators who have made significant contributions to the media and entertainment sector. These awards celebrate excellence and recognize the profound impact of their work on both the industry and society as a whole. This year’s recipients demonstrate the breadth of talent, creativity, and technological advancements that continue to shape the future of media and entertainment.