Paley Center To Honor Reba McEntire, Bill Lawrence And Ynon Kreiz At 2025 Fall Gala

The Paley Center for Media has named three towering figures of entertainment as honorees for its 2025 Paley Honors Fall Gala in Los Angeles: Mattel Chairman and CEO Ynon Kreiz, acclaimed television creator Bill Lawrence, and country music superstar Reba McEntire.

The annual gala, set for Nov. 10 at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, recognizes individuals whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on the media landscape. Each will receive The Paley Honors Award, the institutions highest recognition.

“Ynon Kreizs innovative vision, expertise, and business savvy have steered Mattel into an undisputed global media and entertainment powerhouse. For over 25 years, Bill Lawrence has entertained audiences around the world with his witty, iconic, and unforgettable characters from beloved series including ‘Scrubs’, ‘Ted Lasso’, and ‘Shrinking’, among others. From concert arenas to Broadway stages to television screens, Reba McEntires extraordinary voice, exceptional talent, and endearing personality have captivated legions of fans worldwide,” said Maureen J. Reidy, President and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “We are honored to present each of these distinguished honorees with our highest recognition, The Paley Honors Award.”

Kreiz, who transformed Mattel into what Circana ranked in 2024 as the global leader in dolls, vehicles, and infant, toddler and preschool toys, also shepherded the companys move deeper into entertainment with films, television, live events, publishing and more. Under his leadership, “Barbie” became a 2023 cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records as the 14th-highest grossing movie of all time. TIME named him among the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2024. He previously led short form video pioneer Maker Studios and television production company Endemol Group, and serves on the boards of Warner Music Group and the Paley Center.

“The Paley Centers 50-year commitment to preserving medias rich history, while fostering dialogue about its impact on culture, is invaluable. It is a privilege to support the organization and be recognized among such accomplished honorees, past and present, who reflect the enduring influence of media and entertainment on our world,” Kreiz said.

Lawrence, meanwhile, has shaped television for decades with hits including “Cougar Town” and “Spin City.” His production company Doozer Productions currently has several projects underway, including “Shrinking,” which earned seven Emmy nominations this year, as well as a Steve Carell comedy for HBO and “Bad Monkey” for Apple TV. He also co-created “Ted Lasso,” which twice won the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series, and is executive producing a “Scrubs” reboot for ABC. Earlier this year he received the Writers Guild of America Easts Herb Sargent Award for Comedy Excellence.

“I want to thank the Paley Center for this honor. As a storyteller, Im grateful for their commitment to safeguarding and celebrating the cultural impact of media. As a lifelong TV fan, its thrilling to be even a small part of their legacy,” Lawrence said.

McEntire, a Kennedy Center honoree and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, has amassed more than 50 awards across the ACMs, CMAs, GRAMMY Awards, and more, alongside 35 No. 1 singles and 58 million albums sold worldwide. She recently celebrated her 60th Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, extending a five-decade record achieved only by George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton. Beyond her music, McEntire has starred in film, on Broadway in “Annie Get Your Gun,” and in her own sitcom, “Reba.” She also returns as a coach on “The Voice” and stars in the NBC series “Happys Place.” Her ventures extend into fashion, books, and hospitality, including Rebas Place restaurant in Oklahoma.

“Ever since I was a little girl watching ‘Annie Oakley’ on our black and white TV in Oklahoma, I was captivated by the magic of media and entertainment. Back then, I could never have imagined seeing myself on that screen. Im grateful for all the opportunities Ive had, and it means so much to me to receive this honor from the Paley Center,” McEntire said.

The gala will include video tributes and highlights of each honorees career, as well as tributes from colleagues and industry peers. Proceeds benefit the Paley Centers education programs and preservation of the Paley Archive.