Art Directors Guild To Honor Rep. Laura Friedman Of California At 2026 ADG Awards

The award recognizes Friedman's advocacy for state and federal tax incentives that support the entertainment industry.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Art Directors Guild will present its 2026 Presidents Award to first-term U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (D-CA) in recognition of her advocacy for state and federal tax incentives that support the entertainment industry and her "steadfast support of good union jobs" for industry workers. Friedman will be honored during the 30th anniversary ADG Awards ceremony on February 28 in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The award highlights Friedman's efforts to secure tax incentives that help bring film and television production jobs back to California and the United States, which is seen as crucial for supporting the livelihoods of below-the-line entertainment industry workers. As a freshman Congresswoman, Friedman's advocacy on this issue has already made an impact.

The details

Friedman recently co-authored a bill with Senator Adam Schiff for a new federal tax incentive program aimed at boosting domestic film and TV production. At the state level, she has also worked to maintain and expand California's tax credit program for the entertainment industry. The ADG cited Friedman's "unwavering commitment to protecting and strengthening our creative workforce" through these policy efforts.

  • The ADG Awards ceremony will take place on February 28, 2026.
  • Friedman was elected to her first term in Congress in 2024.

The players

Rep. Laura Friedman

A first-term Democratic Congresswoman from California who has advocated for state and federal tax incentives to support the entertainment industry and its workforce.

Dina Lipton

The President of the Art Directors Guild, which is honoring Rep. Friedman with its 2026 Presidents Award.

Sen. Adam Schiff

A Democratic Senator from California who co-authored a bill with Rep. Friedman for a new federal tax incentive program to boost domestic film and TV production.

Ron Funches

The host of the 30th anniversary Art Directors Guild Awards ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“We are deeply honored to present the Art Directors Guild, President's Award to California Congresswoman Laura Friedman, in recognition of her steadfast support of good union jobs with healthcare and retirement protections for entertainment industry workers. She is a champion of the industry and its importance to the culture and economy of the entire country.”

— Dina Lipton, ADG President (Deadline)

“I'm deeply honored to receive the ADG President's Award in recognition of my work to support Hollywood's film and television industry workers. I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the ADG and our union partners, as well as my colleagues in Congress, to pursue a national film tax credit that brings production and jobs back for every one of the below-the-line production workers that carry this industry on their backs.”

— Rep. Laura Friedman (Deadline)

“Congresswoman Friedman's advocacy has been resolute, securing California tax incentives and recently co-authoring a bill with Sen. Adam Schiff for a much-needed federal tax incentive. Her support of working artists and craftspeople reflects her unwavering commitment to protecting and strengthening our creative workforce, ensuring California and the United States remain the film capital of the world. This recognition reflects our gratitude for her partnership with union artists and craftspeople who shape the visual storytelling that defines film and television.”

— Dina Lipton, ADG President (Deadline)

What’s next

The 30th anniversary ADG Awards ceremony where Rep. Friedman will be honored will take place on February 28, 2026.

The takeaway

Rep. Laura Friedman's advocacy for state and federal tax incentives to support the entertainment industry and its workforce has earned her recognition from the Art Directors Guild, highlighting her efforts to protect good union jobs and ensure California and the U.S. remain hubs for film and television production.