Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation (WRMPPF) announced today that Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios and chief creative officer of Marvel, and the architect of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will be recognized with the 2026 Pioneer of the Year Award on September 30th at The Beverly Hilton.

A tradition for more than 75 years, the Pioneer of the Year Award is bestowed upon esteemed and respected members in the motion picture industry whose leadership, service to the community, and commitment to philanthropy are exceptional. It is one of the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry and within the philanthropic community. All proceeds raised at the event benefit WRMPPF’s Pioneers Assistance Fund, the only charity of its kind in the nation which provides financial assistance and supportive counseling to working and retired individuals in the motion picture distribution and exhibition community in times of need.

“Kevin Feige is a dynamic producer and executive whose creativity and vision entertains and inspires moviegoers everywhere,” said Kyle Davies, President of Distribution at Bleecker Street Media and Co-Chairman, Pioneers Assistance Fund Committee. “The Will Rogers Pioneers Assistance Fund is proud to celebrate Kevin’s monumental cinematic achievements and extraordinary leadership by presenting him with the 2026 Pioneer of the Year Award,” Davies continued.

Feige is one of the film industry’s most accomplished producers and the chief architect behind the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the most successful film franchise of all time. He has produced 37 feature films that have collectively grossed more than $32 billion worldwide, with 11 films surpassing $1 billion globally, including “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” both of which exceeded $2 billion. Marvel Studios’ films have made a lasting impact on popular culture and storytelling worldwide.

The success of the first Marvel Studios’ film, 2008’s “Iron Man”, redefined the entertainment landscape, and led to Marvel’s “The Avengers”, the first film to open to more than $200 million domestically, and a string of global hits including “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Captain America: Civil War”, and “Black Panther”, the first superhero film nominated for the Academy Award® for Best Picture. “Iron Man” was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2022 for its cultural significance.

Feige’s upcoming films include the highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” in July and “Avengers: Doomsday” in December.

An Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award nominee, Feige has received numerous industry honors, including the Producers Guild of America’s 2019 David O. Selznick Achievement Award and BAFTA’s Albert R. Broccoli Britannia Award for Worldwide Contribution to Entertainment. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2024.

A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, Feige serves on the school’s Board of Councilors and endowed the Kevin Feige Division of Film & Television Production last year.

Past Pioneer of the Year honorees include Kate Hudson, Greta Gerwig, Erik Lomis, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, Tom Cruise, Donna Langley, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Elizabeth Banks, Jim Gianopulos, Dick Cook, Michael D. Eisner, Alan Horn, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Sherry Lansing, Frank G. Mancuso, Sumner Redstone, Terry Semel, Tom Sherak, Jack Valenti, Jack Warner, Darryl F. Zanuck and Cecil B. DeMille.

About Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation
Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation has been taking care of thousands of working and retired members of the motion picture community in times of need for 90 years.

Named after one of the greatest humanitarians, philanthropists and entertainers – Will Rogers – the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation perpetuates his legacy through the works of three programs, Brave Beginnings, the Will Rogers Institute, and the Pioneers Assistance Fund.

A hospital created for Vaudevillians stricken with tuberculosis, the National Vaudeville Association Hospital was renamed the Will Rogers Memorial Hospital in 1936, as a tribute to Will Rogers. The hospital became a national training facility for doctors treating patients with tuberculosis, becoming known as the Will Rogers Institute. In 2002, the Will Rogers charity merged with the Foundation of Motion Picture Pioneers (FMPP) and became the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.

The Pioneers Assistance Fund (PAF) helps individuals in motion picture distribution, exhibition, and vendors exclusive to either sector who are encountering an illness, injury, or life-changing event. Social workers provide confidential consultations and financial assistance on a short-term or long-term basis to help a person resume living with dignity, health, and purpose.

Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation operates the PAF, which started as an annual social club get-together where a collection was made for those who may fall on hard times during the upcoming year. In 1947, the annual social gathering became a charitable program with an annual event, the Pioneer of the Year Dinner.

For more information about the Pioneer of the Year Dinner or the Pioneers Assistance Fund, please call toll free at 1-877-756-9455 or visit wrpioneers.org.