Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy is set to receive the 2026 MPSE Filmmaker Award, bestowed upon an individual outside the sound community whose career has demonstrated a great appreciation and understanding of the impact of sound editing.
MPSE president David Barber said, “The Motion Picture Sound Editors are thrilled to honor Kathleen Kennedy with this year’s 2025 Filmmaker Award. Her pioneering work has inspired, supported, and influenced countless filmmakers worldwide. Kathleen’s legacy defies generational constraints. Through the stories she has brought to the screen, her impact on art and culture will endure — entertaining, educating, and moving future generations.”
Kennedy has been with Lucasfilm since 2012 and triumphantly rebooted “Star Wars” with “The Force Awakens,” which remains the highest-grossing film in domestic box office history with $936 million (and $2 billion globally). She managed to extend the franchise beyond movies and into streaming with “The Mandalorian” creator Jon Favreau.
The award will be presented during MPSE’s 73rd Annual Golden Reel Awards Gala on March 8th, 2026 at the Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles.
