Iger Receives 2026 Culture Icon Award

Bob Iger, the former chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, received the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture award on Tuesday night. The ceremony took place at the Perelman Performing Arts Center located at One World Trade Center in New York City. Iger, who served as CEO from 2022 to 2026, stepped onto the stage to accept the honor from a crowd that included current Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The event featured a surprise appearance by a life-size version of Mickey Mouse, who walked out to the audience and conducted the orchestra during a video montage of Disney films and television shows. Iger described the character as a "true icon of culture." He noted that receiving the award was humbling, particularly when sharing the stage with the mouse. Iger called the tribute "a little bit over the top" but expressed gratitude for the recognition.

Performers at the gala included singer Nick Jonas, who credited Iger for helping launch his musical career. Jonas described Iger as a cultivator of talent and introduced a medley of songs from Disney musicals such as Frozen and Aladdin. Composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul performed tracks from The Greatest Showman, including a new song for the stage production scheduled to open in London’s West End in the spring of 2027. Ariana DeBose and Samara Joy also performed, while Rufus Wainwright closed the show with a rendition of a Pinocchio theme.

Iger discussed the importance of communal cultural experiences in an environment he described as rife with disruption and polarization. He stated that art and culture have never been more vital for entertaining people together in shared spaces. The Perelman Performing Arts Center, which hosts such events, has been part of the rebuilding of lower Manhattan following the September 11 attacks. Iger called the venue a tremendous symbol of resilience.

The award ceremony coincides with the release of Iger’s forthcoming memoir, titled One Last Time. The title references a song from the musical Hamilton, which Iger cited as one of his favorites. He explained that the song reflects a desire for a moment of solitude, a fantasy he joked is often interrupted by the many figs that fall from the tree in front of his house. The book details his return to the CEO role in 2022 and his tenure through 2026.

Other attendees who spoke in Iger’s honor included ABC News anchors Robin Roberts and David Muir. The event highlighted Iger’s decades-long influence on the entertainment industry, with speakers reflecting on his leadership and personal impact. The gala served as a public acknowledgment of his contributions to film, television, and theatrical productions during his time at the helm of the company.