The Motion Picture Association presents Frances Lawrence with the 2026 MPA Creator Award.
Lawrence is best known for directing five films in the “Hunger Games” series and “The Long Walk,” the hit film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel that was released last fall. His credits also include “I Am Legend,” “Water for Elephants,” “Red Sparrow” and “Constantine.” Lawrence’s next film is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, which will be released in theaters on November 20th.
The 2026 MPA Awards will also present the 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award to Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R) for their “policy efforts to promote and protect creative communities.” The 2026 MPA Creative Protector Award is awarded to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior for its partnership with MPA in shutting down the piracy network Streameast.
Last month, the MPA presented director Steven Spielberg with the MPA America 250 Award, a one-time honor recognizing his impact on American storytelling at CinemaCon.
“Our industry is strongest when stories ignite, policies drive growth, and creators and viewers can create, produce and watch copyright-free content,” said Charles Rivkin, MPA Chairman and CEO. “And all of our award winners will be key players in bringing that message to life.” “The MPA Awards showcase the leadership and contributions of talented artists, determined legislators, and key law enforcement partners who understand the impact of the creative community on and off screen. We can’t wait to celebrate the incredible work of these leaders in person.”
MPA said it valued Lawrence for his “ability to blend raw emotion with surreal on-screen action.” He also praised the production of a film that combines “sophisticated craftsmanship with a strong sense of individuality and scale.”
“It is truly an honor to build a world that is visually inspiring and emotionally resonant to audiences around the world,” Lawrence said in a statement. “Every time I step on set, I am met by an incredible cast and crew who have enabled my early concepts to make a lasting impression. I am deeply grateful for this award and the MPA’s commitment to supporting voices across the industry.”
Senator Warnock received the 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award for his work promoting American film and television production. The senator has supported legislation like the CREATE Act, which aims to further encourage film production in the United States.
“I am deeply honored by this award and deeply grateful to MPA,” Warnock said in a statement. “Georgia is the Hollywood of the South, making us a national leader in the arts and entertainment industry through investment in domestic productions. That’s why so many film and television productions call Georgia home. Georgia’s film industry not only fosters job creation, but also provides storytelling I’m proud to champion the bipartisan CREATE Act, which supports domestic entertainment production companies in Georgia and across the country and ensures good-paying jobs and opportunities are available to Georgia’s creative workforce.”
Senator Stivers received the 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award in recognition of his impact on Kentucky’s entertainment sector. His leadership in the Legislature includes efforts to attract large-scale film production to the state, including recently enacted legislation to overhaul Kentucky’s film incentive program.
“We are honored to receive the 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award,” said Stivers. “During my time as Senate President, our nation’s creative economy has made great strides, making Kentucky known as a production destination. We are passionate about continuing to build a welcoming ecosystem for talented staff, small business owners, and filmmakers whose projects benefit overall economic development.”
The Ministry of Interior of the Arab Republic of Egypt has been awarded the 2026 MPA Creative Protector Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations for their significant work in the global fight against digital piracy. The ministry’s partnership with the MPA’s anti-piracy coalition, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), led to the dismantling of live sports piracy ring Stream East last year. ACE works with global partners and law enforcement to play a leading role in identifying and disrupting live sports piracy networks.
Brigadier General Hany Saleh said: “I am proud to receive this MPA award, which represents a great deal of gratitude to all authorities responsible for the fight against digital piracy.” “Digital piracy is often a profit-driven criminal activity on which consumers, rights holders, distributors, and broadcasters rely. The threat is particularly acute for live content, where illegal streams erode the value of rights in real time. In Streameast Demolition Our collaboration with MPA and ACE shows that even the most sophisticated piracy networks can be identified and shut down through coordinated enforcement. It is also a model for international cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels in the protection of intellectual property rights.”
All 2026 award recipients will attend the MPA Awards Ceremony later this year at MPA Headquarters in Washington.
