The 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards was held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027. The inaugural celebration brought together entertainers, filmmakers, journalists, media professionals, artists, designers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, advocates and changemakers for an evening celebrating diversity, inclusion, creativity, achievement and community impact.
The event featured a red carpet, live performances, fashion presentations, awards and special recognitions, followed by the official Diversity Pageants USA 2026 Coronation.
Official Show Hosts
The inaugural ceremony was hosted by four accomplished leaders representing media, entertainment, entrepreneurship, journalism and humanitarian service:
Nancy Salim — Entrepreneur, Media Personality & Community Leader; Mrs. Diversity News USA 2026
Esteban Steven Escobar — Executive Publisher of Diversity News Magazine, Media Producer, Journalist, Executive Producer & Event Host
Dawna Lee Heising — Award-Winning Actress, Film Producer, Television Host & Event Emcee; Mrs. Diversity USA 2026
H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael — International Humanitarian, Healthcare Professional, Television Host, Global Speaker & Philanthropist; Mrs. Diversity America USA 2026
Live Performances and Fashion
The show opened with a live performance by acclaimed vocalist Pepper MaShay (Jean McClain).
Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA, performed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” followed by a musical performance by Joy Marivic. Jônia Queen brought international cultural energy to the stage with a dynamic Samba dance performance.
The fashion showcase featured BONIT GLAM by La Reyna del Glamour, Gabriel Escamilla Fashion & Mask Designs, and Kandahar Market by Helay Ayoub, highlighting fashion, creativity, cultural heritage and diversity.
2026 Award Highlights
Russ Emanuel received the most awards of the 2026 ceremony, earning three honors:
- Trailblazer in Film or Television
- Inclusive Fashion Innovator
- Film Trailer Excellence Recognition for Staycation
Other recipients who received multiple honors included:
Clinton H. Wallace — Lifetime Achievement in Photojournalism and Film Trailer Spotlight Award for ALL FOR NOW
Dawna Lee Heising — Magazine Cover Feature of the Year and Actress of the Year
FAWN — Voiceover Artist of the Year — Tie and Performer of the Year — Music or Acting — Tie
Malou Zagala Toler — Performer of the Year — Music or Acting — Tie and Music Artist of the Year — Tie
Kimmarie Johnson — Model of the Year — Diversity Champion and Fashion Visionary Award — Tie
Sue Wong – Fashion Visionary Award
Kate Linder -Legendary Actress of the Year
Vida Ghaffari –Voiceover Artist of the Year
Lourdes Duque Baron — Magazine Cover Feature of the Year — Tie and Music Excellence Recognition
The awards also recognized outstanding achievements across media, journalism, film, television, acting, voiceover, music, community service, humanitarian work, fashion, modeling, design and creative arts.
View the complete list of 2026 award recipients and categories:
https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com/awardees/
Special Honorary Recognition
The ceremony also presented special honorary recognition to Lourdes Duque Baron, recipient of the Legendary Arts & Entertainment Legacy Award, celebrating her accomplishments as a multi-talented artist, author, performer and creative visionary.
Additional special recognition recipients included Pepper MaShay, Dr. Kevin A. Peng, MD & The House Institute Foundation, Renay Grace Rodriguez, Esq. & Stonewall Democratic Club, Nicole Hahn, Miss Asia USA, Jazzlynne BaoChau, Miss Teen Asia USA, Amaya Andrea Franco, Miss Teen Latina Global, Andrea Huynh, Mrs. Asia USA, David C. Nguyen, West Valley Area Representative for the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Bamby Salcedo, President & CEO of The TransLatin@ Coalition.
Diversity Pageants USA 2026 Coronation
A major highlight of the evening was the official crowning of four Diversity Pageants USA queens:
Nancy Salim — Mrs. Diversity News USA 2026
Dawna Lee Heising — Mrs. Diversity USA 2026
H.E. Dr. Nathalie Beasnael — Mrs. Diversity America USA 2026
Hasty Stella Poya — Little Miss Afghanistan USA 2026
The coronation celebrated leadership, cultural representation, empowerment, achievement and diversity.
Watch the Red Carpet Interviews & Event Coverage
Guests, award recipients, performers, queens and community leaders who attended the 1st Annual Diversity News Magazine Awards 2026 were featured on the official red carpet.
Watch red carpet interviews, event coverage and video highlights:
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@DiversityNewsMagazineAwards
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DiversityNewsMagazineAwards
Celebrating a New Tradition
“The first Diversity News Magazine Awards gave us the opportunity to bring diverse voices together and celebrate their accomplishments,” said Esteban Steven Escobar, Executive Publisher of Diversity News Magazine and Executive Producer of the awards.
The inaugural event established a new annual platform recognizing achievement across media, journalism, film, television, performing arts, music, fashion, community leadership, humanitarian work and social impact.
About Diversity News Magazine Awards
The Diversity News Magazine Awards were created to recognize individuals, organizations, artists, entertainers, media professionals, community leaders and changemakers whose work contributes to diversity, inclusion, creativity, excellence and positive community impact.
The Diversity News Magazine Awards are produced by Diversity News Productions, a production division of Diversity News Media Brands, and are founded and executive produced by Esteban Steven Escobar, Executive Publisher of Diversity News Magazine.
Diversity News Magazine is the flagship media publication of Diversity News Media Brands. The 2026 awards also featured the official coronation of Diversity Pageants USA queens, celebrating leadership, empowerment and representation.
Learn More
Diversity News Magazine Awards
https://diversitynewsmagazineawards.com/
Diversity News Magazine
https://diversitynewsmagazine.org/
Diversity News Media Brands
https://diversitynewsmediabrands.com/
Diversity Pageants USA
https://diversitypageantsusa.com/
Photo Credit: Rose Ronterazo / Roselle Azucena Photography for the Diversity News Magazine Awards, Diversity News Magazine / Diversity News Productions.
