The ceremony was hosted by Susana Humbert (Panamericana TV, Peru) and Cynthia Hudson (Hi Media Partners, USA), who emphasized from the outset the inclusive nature of the process. “You are part of this decision,” Humbert told the audience as she opened the event. “Together, we will choose the Woman of the Year 2026.”
Hudson also outlined the selection process behind the award, which began with 173 active WAWA members and followed a structured, transparent path designed to avoid conflicts of interest. Through successive rounds, the process led to five finalists representing a wide spectrum of roles, markets, and leadership styles across the global industry:
Beatriz Cea Okan (Inter Medya)
Clara Machado (Endemol Shine Boomdog)
Gachi Ciuluirni (Canela TV USA)
Patricia Jasin (WBD USA)
Pilar Blasco (Banijay Iberia)
The final decision was entrusted directly to the audience, reinforcing WAWA’s belief that leadership recognition should emerge from the community itself.
Ultimately, the live vote crowned Beatriz Cea Okan as WAWA Woman of the Year 2026. Visibly moved as she accepted the award, Cea Okan dedicated the recognition to the collective strength of women in the industry. “This award is not only mine,” she said. “It belongs to all the women who continue to believe, to grow, and to support one another.”Her words encapsulated the ethos of WAWA: leadership rooted in collaboration, professional excellence paired with solidarity, and a forward-looking vision for the audiovisual sector. More than an individual accolade, the award stood as a statement about the kind of industry WAWA continues to advocate for—one where women’s voices, careers, and networks are not only visible, but actively shaping the future.
A Tribute to Esperanza Garay
The evening reached a particularly moving moment with a tribute to Esperanza Garay, founder and CEO of MGM Global Entertainment. In a heartfelt speech, Cynthia Hudson revisited Garay’s professional journey, highlighting her quiet but decisive leadership and her lasting impact on the international audiovisual industry. Hudson then invited Garay’s son, Andrés, onto the stage to receive a commemorative plaque on her behalf—an emotional gesture that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance and underscored the sense of community that defines WAWA.
Picture by Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com - 22/01/2026 - Content Americas 2026 - C21
