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The 22nd Annual Webby Awards Honors Best of the Internet

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NEW YORK (FNN NEWS) - Recording Artist Swizz Beatz (left) presents an award to Jesse Williams at the 22nd Annual Webby Awards. Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images for The Webby Awards
NEW YORK, NY (FNN NEWS) – Source: The Webby Awards // The Webby Awards honored the year’s biggest Internet visionaries and activists, celebrating the Winners and Honorees of the 22nd Annual Webby Awards with a star-studded ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on May 14. First-time Webby Awards host, Late Night comedian Amber Ruffin led the celebration to honor this year’s Webby Winners and Special Achievement Honorees, including David Letterman, actor Adam Sandler, #MeToo trailblazer Susan Fowler, actor and activist Jesse Williams, actress Laura Linney, Mozilla founder Mitchell Baker, March for Our Lives youth activists Naomi Wadler, Cameron Kasky, and John Barnitt, director Steven Soderbergh, Ugly Delicious creator David Chang, actor David Harbour, NFL player Chris Long, and artist FKA twigs.
Ruffin opened the show and won over the crowd with her unpredictable wit and humor. She pushed the envelope throughout the night, chronicling the year’s biggest moments on the Internet by channeling a Wakanda warrior in full costume and 80s drumming sensation Sheila E. to explain the intricacies of blockchain technology.
Brimming with powerful and memorable moments, the 22nd Annual Awards Show recognized the many innovators, trailblazers, entertainers, and fierce activists that captivated the Internet this year.
In a moving tribute to the March for Our Lives movement, Parkland students John Barnitt and Cameron Kasky and 11-year-old youth activist Naomi Wadler took to the stage to urge action against senseless and systematic gun violence, with Wadler imploring the audience to “please leave here as warriors.” Joining the chorus of voices on stage, dozens of young activists from Parkland and schools around the country shared their own five words in an emotional film.
The evening was capped off by a passionate presentation from acclaimed tech journalist Kara Swisher to former Uber engineer Susan Fowler for Webby Person of the Year. With a powerful tribute honoring the #MeToo movement and recognizing the noteworthy rallying cry that has been echoed in workplaces across the globe, Swisher lauded Fowler for having “the guts to step forward” and reminded the audience that “words matter.” Fowler accepted the award with the final standing ovation of the evening, declaring “Words can change the world.”
“Tonight’s Webby honorees remind us once again what it means for it to be up to us,” said Webby Media Group CEO David-Michel Davies.
Additional highlights from this year’s Webby Awards Show include:
Long-time king of late night television and current host of his own hit Netflix series, David Letterman accepted a Webby Special Achievement Award with his signature humor, while wiping away imaginary tears, saying “Thank you. Tears of Joy.”
Mitchell Baker, a fierce champion of Internet freedom and an open source pioneer, accepted the Webby Lifetime Achievement Award from CNN tech correspondent Laurie Segall. Ever the defender of an open, collaborative Internet community, Baker accepted her award with a galvanizing 5-Word speech: “Demand better of the Internet.”
Actor Isaiah Mustafa, the comedic face of Old Spice, presented the Webby for Best Actor to David Harbour for his role as Chief Jim Hopper in the Netflix smash hit Stranger Things. Harbour accepted the award, saying “Net neutrality, you greedy dickheads.”
Actress Laura Linney accepted the Webby for Best Actress from her friend and former co-star Liam Neeson for her gripping role in the binge-worthy Netflix original series Ozark, saying “Kindness is not a weakness.”
Former Webby Winner Steve Buscemi presented his The Week Of co-star Adam Sandler with a Webby Special Achievement Award, congratulating Netflix on “having the smarts to hire Adam.” Sandler accepted the Webby Award for his creative success and standout performances in a slate of new Netflix original films and quipped “How about that fucking chicken?”
Prolific director Steven Soderbergh accepted the Webby Award for Film & Video Person of the Year from two stars of Mosaic, Frederick Weller and Jennifer Ferrin, saying “Find new doors. Open them.”
Culinary legend David Chang accepted a Webby Special Achievement Award for his Netflix instant hit Ugly Delicious from Bon Appétit Editor Adam Rapoport, saying “MSG is good for you.”
Hip-hop sensation Swizz Beatz presented actor Jesse Williams with the Webby Special Achievement Award for bringing diversity to apps and entertainment through his chart-topping app BLeBRiTY. Williams accepted his award with: “Afraid? Okay. Do it afraid.”
Artist FKA twigs accepted the Webby Special Achievement Award from actress Dominique Fishback for her groundbreaking contributions to digital culture and said in spoken and sign language: “Treat people kindly. Start now.”
NFL defensive end Chris Long accepted the Webby Award for Best Athlete of the Year for his work on and off the football field and said “Still collecting my playoff checks.”
Other notable 5-Word Speeches include:
Isiah Thomas: “The slow grind never stops.”
The Museum of Ice Cream: “I’m lactose intolerant. Don’t tell.”
Jimmy Kimmel: “Thank you, assholes on Twitter.”
National Geographic: “The planet needed a win.”
Jimmy O. Yang: “Wow, I can’t follow Letterman.”
HBO GO: “My HBO GO password is…”
Prison Diaries: “Don’t get arrested. Trust me.”
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory: “We’ve got space for everyone.”
BBC: “Life isn’t just about algorithms.”
Dylan Marron: “To my childhood bullies. Thanks.”
E! Online: “Everyone deserves to be beautiful.”
S-Town: “Remember, life’s tedious and brief.”

Deray McKesson: “Ain’t no justice, no peace.”

 

Fans can watch this year’s Webby Awards celebration at WebbyAwards.com.

Entertainment

‘SPAMALOT’ Joins Dr. Phillips Center’s 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando Season

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Tony Award-winning musical will play Walt Disney Theater Nov. 3-5, 2026

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is expanding its 2026-27 Broadway in Orlando season with the addition of SPAMALOT, the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, scheduled for Nov. 3-5, 2026, at Walt Disney Theater.

Inspired by the classic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, SPAMALOT brings Monty Python’s distinctly British humor to the stage through a comedic adventure following King Arthur and his quest for the Holy Grail.

The production comes to Orlando following a celebrated 2023 Broadway revival at the St. James Theatre, directed and choreographed by Josh Rhodes.

Monty Python Comedy Comes to Orlando

Described as “lovingly ripped” from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, the musical features British royalty, flying cows, dancing girls, shrubbery and the Lady of the Lake.

The 14-time Tony Award-nominated musical features well-known numbers including “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” “The Song That Goes Like This” and “Find Your Grail.”

SPAMALOT features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, with music by John Du Prez and Idle.

Cast Announced for Orlando Production

The cast features Major Attaway, whose credits include Aladdin, as King Arthur; Sean Bell (Harmony) as Sir Robin; Chris Collins-Pisano (Forbidden Broadway) as Sir Lancelot; Ellis C. Dawson III (Hamilton) as Sir Bedevere; Leo Roberts (Les Misérables) as Sir Galahad; Amanda Robles as the Lady of the Lake; Blake Segal (Mary Poppins) as Patsy; and Steven Telsey (The Book of Mormon) as the Historian and Prince Herbert.

The company also includes Lindsay Lee Alhady, Delaney Benson, Jack Brewer, Connor Coughlin, L’ogan J’ones, Graham Keen, Claire Kennard, Ben Lanham, Nathaniel Mahone, Maddie Mossner, Emilie Renier, Mark Tran Russ and Meridien Terrell.

Creative Team

The production’s creative team includes scenic and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III, costume designer Jen Caprio, lighting designer Cory Pattak, sound designers Kai Harada and Haley Parcher, and wig designer Tom Watson.

John Bell serves as music supervisor, with Jonathan Gorst as musical director and conductor.

Derek Kolluri is associate director, Michael Fatica is associate choreographer and casting is by Geoff Josselson, CSA. RCI Theatricals serves as general manager, and Jeffrey Finn is the producer.

Tickets on Sale Now

Single tickets for SPAMALOT are on sale now through Dr. Phillips Center.

Performances: Nov. 3-5, 2026
Venue: Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Location: Orlando, Florida

Tickets and additional information are available through the Dr. Phillips Center website.

 

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Central Florida News

Dr. Phillips Center Generates $227.6 Million Annual Economic Impact, Supports Nearly 2,500 Central Florida Jobs

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts generated $227.6 million in annual economic impact, supporting 2,483 jobs and producing $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue, according to a newly released independent study by Tourism Economics.

The analysis, conducted by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company specializing in economic impact and tourism research, measured the direct, indirect and induced economic activity generated by the arts center’s operations, performances, visitors and related spending throughout Central Florida.

The findings underscore the Dr. Phillips Center’s role as both a premier performing arts destination and a major contributor to the region’s economy.

“For more than a decade, we’ve seen firsthand how the arts inspire people, bring communities together and create lasting value,” said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. “This study confirms that our impact reaches far beyond our stages—supporting thousands of jobs, driving business growth, attracting visitors from around the world and helping position Central Florida as a more vibrant, competitive and connected region.”

Economic Impact by the Numbers

According to the Tourism Economics report, the Dr. Phillips Center generated:

  • $227.6 million in annual economic output
  • 2,483 jobs supported across Central Florida
  • $70.8 million in total labor income in Orange County
  • $13.2 million in state and local tax revenue
  • $73.1 million in off-site spending by event attendees, performers and production crews
  • 61,600 hotel room nights generated annually

The study highlights the ripple effect created by visitors attending performances, benefiting nearby hotels, restaurants, retailers and other local businesses.

A Global Destination for Arts and Entertainment

Now in its 11th year, the Dr. Phillips Center welcomes more than 910,000 guests annually, attracting visitors from all 50 states and more than 80 countries.

Since opening in 2014, the venue has hosted:

  • More than 6.2 million guests
  • More than 6,200 performances and events
  • Programming presented 99% of the year
  • Venue occupancy rates ranging from 82% to 97%

The center has become one of the world’s busiest performing arts destinations while helping position downtown Orlando as a leading hub for arts, culture and entertainment.

Community Investment Beyond the Stage

In addition to its economic impact, the Dr. Phillips Center continues investing in arts education, community outreach and cultural programming throughout Central Florida.

According to the organization, it has:

  • Served 935,920 students and community participants
  • Supported and hosted 202 regional arts organizations
  • Received support from 24,085 donors
  • Benefited from $256 million in philanthropic contributions since its inception

Through partnerships with schools, nonprofit organizations, community groups and touring productions, the center continues to expand access to the performing arts while strengthening the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

Looking Ahead

Eleven years after opening, the Dr. Phillips Center continues to demonstrate that investment in arts and culture produces measurable returns through tourism, employment, education and community engagement.

As Central Florida continues to grow, the independent analysis reinforces the performing arts center’s importance as both a cultural landmark and an economic engine for the region.

Additional information about the economic impact study is available through the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

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Entertainment

Blue Man Group Orlando Launches $25 Kids Ticket Offer at ICON Park Through Dec. 31

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Families can enjoy Blue Man Group Orlando for less this summer and fall thanks to a new ticket promotion that allows children to attend performances for $25 with the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket.

The limited-time offer is available for online purchases through Dec. 31, 2026, making one of Orlando’s newest live entertainment attractions more affordable for families.

Special Kids Ticket Offer

Under the promotion, guests who purchase a full-priced adult ticket may purchase a children’s ticket for $25.

The offer is valid for performances:

  • Monday through Thursday
  • Fridays at 5 p.m.

The promotion is not valid for:

  • Saturday performances
  • Sunday performances
  • Fridays at 8 p.m.

New Orlando Production at ICON Park

Blue Man Group opened its new resident production at ICON Park in May inside a custom-built theater located along Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district.

The production blends music, comedy, technology and audience participation, while featuring many of the signature moments fans expect from Blue Man Group alongside new material created exclusively for the Orlando production.

Global Entertainment Phenomenon

Since debuting in 1991 at New York’s Astor Place Theatre, Blue Man Group has entertained more than 50 million people worldwide through resident productions and international tours.

The show continues to expand with performances in Orlando, Las Vegas, touring productions across North America and an upcoming tour in Japan.

Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.

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