Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis Lead California Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Diverse group of icons from entertainment, sports, cuisine, and public service honored

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:42pm

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Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced the 2026 class of the California Hall of Fame, which notably includes Hollywood stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. The class also honors Olympic gold medalists, a renowned chef, an acclaimed author, and trailblazers in music and public service, showcasing the state's broad cultural impact.

Why it matters

The Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have made significant contributions to California's history and culture, highlighting the state's spirit of resilience, creativity, and diversity. This year's inductees demonstrate the blurring of traditional disciplinary boundaries and the growing importance of representation across various fields.

The details

The 2026 class includes Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis, who starred together in the 1994 action film True Lies. Other inductees are Olympic gold medalists Carl and Janet Lewis, chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa, author Terry McMillan, the all-female mariachi ensemble Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, and systems scientist and author Riane Eisler.

  • The induction ceremony will be held on March 19, 2026 at the California Museum in Sacramento.
  • Schwarzenegger moved to California from Austria in the late 1960s to pursue an acting career.

The players

Arnold Schwarzenegger

An Austrian-American actor, filmmaker, and former professional bodybuilder who became a global icon through his roles in action films like Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, and later served as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

Jamie Lee Curtis

An American actress who rose to fame with her role in the 1978 horror film Halloween, and went on to star in a variety of films, including the 2022 Oscar-winning movie Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa

A renowned Japanese chef and restaurateur who founded the global Nobu restaurant empire, with locations on five continents, and is known for his innovative fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences.

Terry McMillan

An American author whose novels, including Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, have been instrumental in elevating Black women's voices in American literature.

Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles

The first all-female mariachi ensemble, which has challenged traditional norms and expanded the cultural landscape of mariachi music in California and beyond.

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What’s next

The induction ceremony for the 2026 California Hall of Fame class will be held on March 19, 2026 at the California Museum in Sacramento.

The takeaway

The 2026 California Hall of Fame class showcases the state's diverse cultural landscape, honoring individuals who have transcended traditional boundaries and made significant contributions to entertainment, sports, cuisine, and public service. This reflects California's continued influence as a global hub of innovation and creativity.