2024 Paley Honors to Recognize Michael R. Bloomberg, Ron Howard, and Faiza J. Saeed

The Paley Center for Media has the esteemed list of honorees for its 2024 Paley Honors.

This annual New York gala celebration will salute visionary leaders from across media, entertainment, and business including Michael R. Bloomberg, Ron Howard, and Faiza J. Saeed. These luminaries will be recognized for their unmatched contributions to media and will be presented with the Paley Center’s highest honor, The Paley Honors Award. This illustrious event will take place on Thursday, June 13 at 6:30 pm at Cipriani 42nd Street.

The Paley Center for Media is the world’s leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving our media history and exploring media’s powerful shaping influence on culture and society. The proceeds from The Paley Honors support the organization’s educational programs, the ongoing preservation of the Paley Archive, and the institution’s vital mission during this important time in media history for this and future generations to come.

The 2024 honorees include:

Michael R. Bloomberg: Mike Bloomberg is an entrepreneur and the 108th mayor of New York City (2002-2013) whose innovations in business, government, and philanthropy have made him one of the world’s most influential leaders. Bloomberg LP, the forward-thinking information technology and media company he launched in 1981, has brought greater transparency and fairness to the financial system, and helps bring clarity to an increasingly complex world. As the founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Mike Bloomberg is a fearless and effective voice on some of the most urgent global issues including climate change, public health, education, and gun violence. Committed to improving and saving lives around the world, Bloomberg has given away $17.4 billion so far and in 2023 was America’s single biggest philanthropic donor, giving away more than $3 billion. 

Ron Howard: From the earliest days of his career to the present day, Ron Howard’s landmark achievements in both film and television as an actor, writer, director, and producer have entertained and inspired audiences the world over. The award-winning projects he has creatively impacted from The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days through modern-day classics including Arrested Development and Parenthood, as well as Academy Award-winning films Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, remain cultural touchstones. Through his production company Imagine Entertainment, which he cofounded with Brian Grazer in 1986, Howard continues to break ground with riveting projects including Genius, The Super Models, The Dynasty: New England Patriots, and the highly anticipated upcoming films Jim Henson Idea Man and Eden, which are testaments to his visionary artistry and enduring impact.  

Faiza J. Saeed: As a trusted advisor, visionary leader, and one of the most respected legal minds of our time, Faiza Saeed has been a principal architect of the modern media landscape. She has advised industry titans in megadeals and transformative transactions that have included Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox, Time Warner’s acquisition by AT&T, Viacom’s merger with CBS, DreamWorks Animation’s sale to Comcast, and the formation of Amblin Partners. Known for her steady and strategic counsel, Faiza Saeed continues to play an integral role in shaping the future of the media industry and beyond. She serves as Presiding Partner of the prestigious law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, the first woman to hold the role in the firm’s 200+ year history, with a record of extraordinary leadership and accomplishment.    

“We are honored to present our highest honor, The Paley Honors Award, to Michael Bloomberg, Ron Howard, and Faiza Saeed,” said Maureen J. Reidy, the President and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “Each of this year’s recipients represents the very best across media, entertainment, and business, and we look forward to what promises to be an unforgettable and electrifying evening.”

“For almost 50 years, the Paley Center has been shaping conversations around the media and its power to positively impact our world. I’ve been glad to support its critical work, from bringing together leaders to tackle our toughest challenges – including the spread of misinformation – to supporting the media protections and traditions that are so vital to a free society,” said Michael R. Bloomberg.

“It’s a great honor to receive this award from the Paley Center. One of the fascinating elements of both entertainment and media is the power it has to shape our culture and society, and it’s been a great privilege of my life to play a role in that conversation,” said Ron Howard.

“The Paley Center plays a critical role in celebrating the dynamism of the media industry, preserving its history and exploring the significant impact it has on culture and society. It is an honor to support its work and to be recognized as part of this special event,” said Faiza J. Saeed.

The spectacular evening will spotlight the contributions of each honoree with video highlights chronicling their landmark achievements in media as well as heartfelt tributes from esteemed colleagues and other acclaimed media figures during a seated dinner.

For additional event information, including how to purchase tables, tickets, and ads, please visit paleycenter.org

Ron Howard photo credit: Jeff Lipsky