Shailene Woodley, Jaden Smith, and Moby Shine at the 26th Annual Environmental Media Association (EMA) Awards
The Environmental Media Association (EMA) rolled out its annual awards with style and purpose. Held at Warner Bros. Studios in California, the 26th EMA Awards blended Hollywood glamor with a powerful environmental message.
Each year, the EMA Awards celebrate film, television, and individuals who raise awareness about environmental challenges. More importantly, the awards spotlight those who inspire audiences to take personal action for a cleaner planet.
This year, the spotlight fell on three changemakers. Shailene Woodley, known for her outspoken activism, earned the Female EMA Futures Award. Jaden Smith accepted the Male EMA Futures Award for his commitment to sustainability and youth leadership. Meanwhile, Moby received the EMA Missions in Music Award, honoring his advocacy and his unforgettable ability to pair music with environmental action.
The evening wasn’t just about recognition. It was also a reminder that pop culture can drive change. EMA’s mission has always been to show that entertainment and activism can work together. From fighting for clean water to pushing for climate solutions, the honorees embodied that vision.
Highlights of the night included emotional speeches, celebrity appearances, and even surprise performances. Photos and videos captured the energy, the sparkle, and the shared determination to make a difference.
The message was clear: when celebrities use their platforms for good, they can spark action far beyond the stage.
Jaden Smith
Watch Honoree Jaden Smith talk so amazingly about how he’s working to save our planet’s resources. He is so crushing it aka saving the planet and his work with JUST Water.
2016 Environmental Media Association Awards: Stars, Speeches, and Sustainability
On October 23, 2016, the Environmental Media Association (EMA) announced the winners of its 26th annual EMA Awards. The event showcased EMA’s mission to use celebrity and media to drive environmental action. Through pop culture and strong role models, the organization inspires consumers to step up and take responsibility.
With that mission in mind, EMA honored a powerful lineup of change makers. Shailene Woodley earned the Female EMA Futures Award. Jaden Smith accepted the Male EMA Futures Award. Musician Moby took home the EMA Missions in Music Award. In addition, Robyn O’Brien received the EMA Green Parent Award. Finally, the United Nations PRI accepted the EMA Corporate Responsibility Award.
Each honoree walked away with a Swarovski-designed crystal award. The setting amplified the moment. The stage at Warner Bros. Studios glowed with a shimmering Swarovski crystal curtain. A custom podium, also dressed in Swarovski, framed the evening in sparkle and style.
Nicole Richie Sets the Tone
Actress and entrepreneur Nicole Richie hosted the ceremony. She kept the mood light with humor and sharp wit while emphasizing environmental consciousness. “Are we all ready to make America green again?” she asked, blending environmental passion with playful political banter. Richie reminded the audience of her early role on the Young Hollywood board. She joked about popularizing reusable bags, Prius driving, and even “inventing smoking weed out of a pen,” before declaring her long-standing commitment to the greens.
Shailene Woodley’s Stand Against DAPL at the Environmental Media Association Awards
One of the night’s most emotional moments came from Shailene Woodley, who used her speech to oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline. Her words earned a standing ovation. “Thousands of people are fighting corporate greed with nothing but love and compassion,” she said. Woodley urged the audience to live with compassion, explaining that such choices create ripple effects that can help save oceans, the planet, and humanity itself.
Jaden Smith Calls for Action
Jaden Smith took a proactive tone in his acceptance. “It’s time to be proactive, because there is hope,” he said. Smith reminded the audience that humanity has faced grave challenges before. He dedicated his award to those who are “driven, committed, creative, and hopeful for a bright and resilient future.” His words connected the fight for sustainability with responsibility and collaboration.
Moby’s Surprise Performance and Powerful Message
Musician and activist Moby closed the night with a surprise live performance. In his speech, he called out the devastating environmental impact of animal agriculture. “One thing we can all do as a nation and a species is stop supporting animal agriculture,” he declared. He argued that ending subsidies for industrial farming could immediately reduce ecological harm. The performance energized the audience and underscored his passionate message.
A Night of Celebrity and Commitment: Environmental Media Association Awards
The 2016 EMA Awards captured the powerful blend of entertainment, activism, and environmental leadership. Nicole Richie’s sharp humor set the stage, Shailene Woodley’s passionate activism moved the crowd, Jaden Smith’s youthful optimism inspired hope, and Moby’s urgent call for change pushed the message even further. Together, they proved that celebrity voices can amplify the fight for sustainability.
The EMA continues to drive this mission forward by using media and pop culture to motivate change. That evening made it clear: when artists and influencers use their platforms with purpose, their impact stretches far beyond Hollywood. Their actions can spark conversations, shift behavior, and create ripples of real environmental progress.
In addition, PHOTO & B-ROLL CREDIT: Getty on Behalf of the Environmental Media Association
So, therefore, here are the 2016 Film and Television Environmental Media Association Awards Winners.
Documentary Film
How To Let Go of The World And Love all The Things Climate Can’t Change (HBO)
Children’s Television
Cyberchase “Bottled Up” (PBS)
Reality
Jimmy Kimmel Live “Climate Change” (ABC)
In addition, Feature – TIE
Jungle Book (Disney)
Consumed (Marvista Ent)
TV Comedy
Simpsons “TEENAGE MUTANT MILK-CAUSED HURDLES” (Fox)
TV Drama
The TV show “Black List” “Eli Machett” No. 72 (Sony/NBC)
Excellence in Advertising
Angry Birds “International Day of Happiness” (Sony)
In addition, Honoree Shailene Woodley gave a very inspiring speech this year.
Most importantly and again noteworthy, please please Listen to filmmaker Josh Fox’s acceptance speech. That’s for winning best Documentary for his film “How to Let Go of the World.
Source: Environmental Media Association
