NEW YORK, NY (SMI-GLOBAL-ENTERTAINMENT-MEDIA MAY 14-17, 2026)-The Paley Center for Media celebrated its annual 2026 Paley Honors Spring Gala last Thurs. evening May 14,2026, honoring Arnaud de Puyfontaine (CEO of Vivendi) with the Global Media Icon & Visionary Leader award, Robert Kyncl (CEO of Warner Music Group), with Innovative Executive & Creator Economy Trailblazer, and Charlie's Angels Co-stars Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson & Cheryl Ladd in celebration of the iconic action-crime-drama series 50th Anniversary during an award ceremony and elegant dinner at the Renowned Plaza Hotel in the Big Apple.

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 The Paley Honors Award, presented by The Paley Center for Media, is the organization’s highest honor that recognizes individuals whose groundbreaking achievements in media have consistently set the bar for excellence.

The Paley Center is the world’s leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving our media history and exploring media’s powerful shaping influence on culture and society. All Proceeds from the Paley Honors support the organization’s educational programs and the ongoing preservation of the Paley Archive. 

The Global Media Icon & Visionary Leader is a prestigious recognition awarded by The Paley Center for Media to industry executives who have left an indelible mark on culture, entertainment, and business.

Arnaud de Puyfontaine is a revered global business leader who has built a distinguished international career in the media world. Following leadership roles at Le Figaro, he served as CEO of Emap Group then CEO and Chairman of Editions Mondadori France. In 2009, he joined Hearst, serving as CEO of its UK subsidiary and EVP of Hearst Magazines International. Since June 2014, he has been Chairman of the Management Board and CEO of Vivendi.

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In addition to his executive role, he serves as Chair of the Board for Havas N.V. and Gameloft SE, and holds board seats at Louis Hachette Group, Canal+, and Lagardère SA.

He is a Chevalier de l'Ordre National de la Légion d'Honneur, Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite, and Chevalier des Arts et Lettres. Internationally, he has been awarded the OBE (Officer of the British Empire) and the OMRI (Commandatore nel Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana).Arnaud de Puyfontaine is a graduate of the ESCP Business School (1988), the Multimedia Institute (1992) and Harvard Business School (2000).

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Robert Kyncl is a renowned entrepreneurial leader and creator economy pioneer. As CEO of Warner Music Group, he leads the company's global operations, having joined in 2023 following a twelve-year tenure as Chief Business Officer at YouTube. There, he played a central role in defining the company's strategy and cultural impact, overseeing creative partnerships and the build-out of subscription services like YouTube Music and YouTube TV.

Previously, Kyncl spent seven years at Netflix, where he spearheaded the pivot from DVD-by-mail to streaming video, helping deliver the service's 2007 debut. He began his career at talent agency, J. Michael Bloom, and then worked for HBO International, before joining a kids entertainment start-up, ALFY.

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A sought-after speaker on cultural trends, Kyncl is the co-author of Streampunks and co-founder of the Kyncl Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities pursuing STEM degrees.

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​Robert and his wife Luz run the Kyncl Family Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students from underrepresented communities pursuing STEM degrees. A sought-after speaker on cultural trends and technology, he is the coauthor of Streampunks: YouTube and the Rebels Remaking Media. He holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a BS in International Relations from SUNY New Paltz

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Charlie's Angels ignited a global cultural phenomenon when it premiered in 1976, forever redefining the role of women in prime-time entertainment. As a landmark moment in television history, the series broke the mold by placing three formidable private investigators at the center of their own high-stakes narratives. This shift challenged industry norms and empowered generations of viewers.

On the momentous occasion of its 50th anniversary milestone, we are honored to celebrate the renowned performances of the legendary stars, Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd. Their iconic performances brought intelligence, grace, and grit to the screen, cementing the show’s status as a bona fide classic. We celebrate these three extraordinary stars for their pioneering contributions to the media landscape and their enduring impact on television. This salute honors five decades of a series that remains as influential and beloved today as it was at its debut.

On the occasion of its 50th anniversary milestone, Paley is honored to celebrate the performances of legendary stars Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, and Cheryl Ladd. Their unforgettable performances brought intelligence, grace, and grit to the screen, cementing the show's status as a bona fide classic. Paley celebrates these three extraordinary stars for their pioneering contributions to the media landscape and their enduring impact on television.

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Article & Photos Marcello Cutti II/Starlight Illustrated/SMI Digital

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