Brian Grazer and Ron Howard to Receive Harold Matzner Distinguished Achievement Award at Palm Springs Honors

The Palm Springs International Film Society will honor Brian Grazer and Ron Howard with the Harold Matzner Distinguished Achievement Award at the Palm Springs Honors event on Oct. 19 at Soho House West Hollywood.

Karina Lomelin Ripper will receive the Harold Matzner Impact Award for her 13-minute short film “Silver Blankets.” The award is a $25,000 annual finishing grant created to support emerging filmmakers.

They will also receive recognition at the Palm Springs International Film Awards on Jan. 7, 2027.

“Harold Matzner believed deeply in giving back and in using his success to create opportunities for others,” said Nachhattar Singh Chandi, chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Society. “That spirit of philanthropy is at the heart of these awards, which honor extraordinary careers while providing meaningful support to the next generation of filmmakers. Brian Grazer and Ron Howard have had an extraordinary impact on our industry through decades of collaboration and storytelling, and they have also demonstrated a strong commitment to philanthropy and giving back to their communities. Karina Lomelin Ripper represents the kind of emerging voice Harold was passionate about supporting. We are proud to celebrate all three through these awards in honor of Harold’s legacy and his belief in the lasting power of cinema, the people who make it and the difference they can make in the world.”

The Harold Matzner Distinguished Achievement Award aims to recognize individuals whose careers have profoundly influenced the global film industry through artistic excellence, visionary leadership and philanthropic impact. The Harold Matzner Impact Award supports emerging filmmakers whose work inspires change and drives meaningful community impact.