The Motion Picture Association is to recognise US Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) and Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers (R) with 2026 MPA Industry Champion Awards for their policy efforts to promote and protect the creative community. The 2026 MPA Creative Protector Award will be presented to the Egyptian Ministry of Interior for their partnership with the MPA on the successful shutdown of the notorious piracy network, Streameast.

“Our industry is strongest when stories catch fire, policies spur growth, and creators and audiences can make, produce, and watch content free from piracy — and all of our honourees play a starring role in bringing that message to life,” said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPA. “The MPA Awards showcase the leadership and contributions of brilliant artists, determined lawmakers, and key law enforcement partners who understand the impact of our creative community on and off screen. I can’t wait to congratulate these leaders in person on their stunning achievements.”

Sen. Warnock is receiving a 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award for his efforts to boost US film and TV production. The Senator champions bipartisan legislation, such as the CREATE Act and other proposals, designed to encourage more domestic production and increase opportunities for high-paying jobs for American workers.

“I’m incredibly honored and deeply grateful to the MPA for this award,” said Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock. “Georgia is the Hollywood of the South and has become a national leader in the arts and entertainment industry through our commitment to investments in domestic production. That’s why so many film and TV productions call Georgia home. Georgia’s film industry not only fuels job creation but has helped set the bar high for storytelling. I am proud to champion the bipartisan CREATE Act to support domestic entertainment productions in Georgia and across the country, and to ensure good-paying jobs and opportunities are available for our nation’s creative workforce.”

Sen. Stivers is receiving a 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award in recognition of his impact on Kentucky’s entertainment sector. His leadership in the General Assembly has been instrumental in advancing key measures for the Commonwealth to attract larger-scale productions, including his recently enacted legislation to modernise the state’s film incentive programme.

“It’s an honour to receive a 2026 MPA Industry Champion Award,” said Stivers. “During my tenure as Senate President, our creative economy has made immense strides and put Kentucky on the map as a destination for production. We are eager to keep building a welcoming ecosystem for filmmakers whose projects benefit our talented crews, small business owners, and overall economic development.”

The Ministry of Interior of the Arab Republic of Egypt is receiving the 2026 MPA Creative Protector Award, which honours an individual or organisation whose work has been critical in the global fight to combat digital piracy. The Ministry’s partnership with the MPA’s anti-piracy coalition, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE), led to the historic takedown last year of Streameast – once the world’s live-sports piracy ring. Working with global partners and law enforcement authorities, ACE places a leading role in identifying and disrupting live sports piracy networks.

“I am proud to accept this MPA Award, which recognises the great appreciation for all authorities in charge of fighting digital piracy,” said Brigadier General Hany Saleh. “Digital piracy is often a profit-driven criminal enterprise that consumers, rights holders, distributors, and broadcasters rely on. The threat is particularly acute for live content, where illegal streams erode the value of rights in real time. Our collaboration with the MPA and ACE to dismantle Streameast shows that even the most sophisticated piracy networks can be identified and shut down through coordinated enforcement. It also represents a model for international cooperation at both the bilateral and multinational levels in the protection of intellectual property rights.”

All 2026 honourees will attend the MPA Awards Ceremony later in 2026 at the MPA’s global headquarters in Washington.

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Tags: Motion Picture Association, mpa