Environmental Media Association and Its Awards Show to Become Part of Nonprofit United by Nature

It’s a new era for the Environmental Media Association, as the Hollywood sustainability group is becoming a part of nonprofit United by Nature.

EMA has been active in the industry for nearly 40 years, creating conversation through educational initiatives, industry partnerships and events like the Impact Summit and its signature EMA Awards Gala. United by Nature — an organization focused on building the next generation of America’s conservation movement — plans to build upon these programs and relationships, as well as host the first United by Nature Awards in April 2027 to coincide with Earth Month.

“Environmental progress requires a bigger coalition that’s more reflective of communities across America,” Benji Backer, founder and CEO of United by Nature, said in a statement. “EMA proved how powerful storytelling can shape culture, unite people and drive meaningful outcomes for nature. Together, we’re building upon that impact by reaching new audiences and inviting people of all backgrounds to protect the outdoors they love.”

Debbie Levin, the former CEO of EMA who will now serve as chief visionary officer of United by Nature, said, “EMA has always believed in the extraordinary power of entertainment and storytelling to inspire environmental action. For more than three decades, we’ve worked alongside the entertainment community to make sustainability part of the cultural conversation. We’re proud of the legacy we’ve built, and we’re excited to work with United by Nature to reach new audiences and continue making sustainability more accessible and engaging.”

United by Nature’s inaugural takeover of the awards event will continue to celebrate the entertainment industry’s environmental leadership, while also expanding to recognize the individuals and organizations across music, sports, podcasts and universities that inspire positive change. Past EMA honorees include Billie Eilish, Michael Bloomberg, Jane Fonda, Ted Turner, Natalie Portman, Matt Damon and Laura Dern.

The EMA Green Seal will also become the United by Nature Green Seal, which recognizes industries that take meaningful steps to reduce their environmental footprint. Wildwood, the animated fantasy film from Laika Studios, is the first movie to be awarded the United by Nature Green Seal; the movie joins nearly 3,000 other productions recognized for their sustainability efforts.