Disney’s former CEO, Bob Iger, was honored with the PAC award at the NYC Icons of Culture Gala, with tributes given by Josh D’Amaro, Nick Jonas, Samara Joy, and more.
Bob Iger Receives PAC Icon of Culture Award
It was first announced during Iger’s appearance on Good Morning America that he would be receiving the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture Award.
During the award event, there were several homages to Disney and its legacy, especially through music. At the close of the event, Rufus Wainwright sang “When You Wish Upon a Star,” the Disney staple from the animated film Pinocchio. This took place before welcoming everyone back for a final toast to Iger.
Other hit performances during the event included Bradley Gibson singing “Seize the Day” from Newsies, Anastascia McCleskey singing “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman, Adam Jacobs singing “Proud of Your Boy” from Aladdin, and Charissa Hogeland singing “Let It Go” from Frozen. As well as Austin Scott and Isaiah Johnson singing “One Last Time,” a possible nod to the title of Iger’s newest memoir.
A fun moment Disney fans will enjoy is Mickey Mouse conducting the orchestra through the score of “Fantasmic!”
Iger was also paid tribute by Nick Jonas, recently named a Disney Legend, who said, “Bob believed in us in a way that we probably didn’t believe in ourselves,” and that he was “one of the finest cultivators of talent the industry has ever seen.”
Iger was also introduced by Michael R. Bloomberg, who serves as chair of the board for PAC NYC. While introducing Iger, Bloomberg said, “As CEO of Disney, Bob took the company to new heights, with new ventures and expansions, and a historic run of global box office hits. … It’s fair to say: Few people have done more than Bob to shape American culture over the past 25 years, both here at home, and in the eyes of people all around the world.”
During the event, current Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro made an appearance to pay tribute to Iger as well. “He taught me, and he probably taught all of us, the power of taking big swings. Big swings, always keeping creativity and great storytelling as our North Star.”
While accepting his award, Iger reflected on his career and said, “Having the opportunity to entertain the world through extraordinary storytelling has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work for a very special company, learn from generous mentors, and work alongside thousands of talented people whose creativity and passion have brought so much joy to the world. I’ve always believed in the importance of nurturing creativity and supporting the people who make it possible, which makes this recognition from the Perelman Performing Arts Center especially meaningful to me. I’m deeply honored and grateful to everyone at PAC NYC.”
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