Kate Hudson to Receive Will Rogers Foundation’s Prestigious Pioneer of the Year Award

Kate Hudson to Receive Will Rogers Foundation’s Prestigious Pioneer of the Year Award

Kate Hudson will be the recipient of this year’s prestigious Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s Pioneer of the Year award, becoming among only a few female actresses to receive the top honor.

The award-winning actor, producer, singer and entrepreneur will be feted with the top honor by the foundation during the organization’s annual dinner on Oct. 8 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.

For over 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award has been presented to members of the motion picture industry whose commitment to philanthropy and community is unparalleled.

“Kate Hudson’s influence extends beyond her outstanding contributions to the motion picture business. Her commitment to philanthropy and social causes inspires audiences everywhere to be active in their communities and support each other in times of need,” Lisa Bunnell, president of the Will Rogers Foundation and head of distribution at Focus Features, said in a statement.

Hudson will next be seen starring opposite Hugh Jackman in Focus’ musical drama Song Sung Blue, directed by Craig Brewer. The film is based on a true story about two down-on-their-luck musicians who form a Neil Diamond tribute band. It will be released in theaters nationwide on Christmas Day this year.

Among her other endeavors, Hudson released her debut studio music album, Glorious, in 2024. She also stars in and executive produces the hit Netflix series, Running Point, which has been renewed for a second season. 

Hudson’s performance in Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous earned her a Golden Globe Award, an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress, a BAFTA nomination and a Broadcast Film Critics’ Award for breakthrough performance. Additional film credits include How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, Bride Wars, Fool’s Gold and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, among others.

Hudson serves on the board of directors for The Hawn Foundation’s MindUp program, which supports preventative mental health programs for students, educators and families. She’s also affiliated with the United Nations World Food Program, Baby2Baby and Operation Smile.

She’s the co-founder of the lifestyle brand Fabletics and the supplements brand INBLOOM, and is also a New York Times bestselling author.

Filmmaker Greta Gerwig was feted last year, becoming only the second female director to receive the honor after Elizabeth Banks (both are also actresses).

Past honorees through the decades include Erik Lomis, a widely admired and veteran distribution exec who died suddenly in 2023, Tom Cruise, Alan Horn, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Michael D. Eisner, Jack Warner, Darryl F. Zanuck and Cecil B. DeMille.

The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation, named after philanthropist and entertainer Will Rogers, comprises of three programs: Brave Beginnings, the Will Rogers Institute and the Pioneers Assistance Fund.

All proceeds raised at the annual Pioneer of the Year dinner will go to WRMPFF’s Pioneers Assistance Fund, which provides financial assistance and counseling to individuals in the motion picture distribution and exhibition community.

Pamela McClintock contributed to this report.