Women in Film & Television Texas

WIFT TEXAS ANNOUNCES MEGAN CREYDT AS ITS 2026 “THE IRMA” AWARD HONOREE Megan Creydt, the Executive Producer of Story Development at Texas Monthly​​ will be Honored at The Celestial Awards™ with “The Lila” Award for Excellence in Audio, Television & Film, Named in Honor of Irma Nicolas on January 17th at The Tobin Center in San Antonio. SAN ANTONIO, December 17, 2025 – Women in Film & Television Texas (WIFT Texas) is honored to announce Megan Creydt, Executive Producer of Story Development at Texas Monthly and a leading force behind Texas’ rapidly expanding pipeline of page-to-screen adaptations, as the 2026 recipient of “The Irma” Award for Excellence in Audio, Television & Film, named in honor of Irma Nicolas, a pioneering media founder (Univision) and fierce advocate for women in broadcasting. Megan Creydt has been instrumental in developing projects with platforms HBO, Max, Paramount+, and Netflix; her executive producing credits include “Landman” (Paramount+) “Hit Man” (Netflix), “Love & Death” (HBO Max), and How to Create a Sex Scandal (HBO Max). She is executive producer on two 2025 feature documentaries: “Night in West Texas” by Peabody Award-winning director Deb Esquenazi, and “Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood” by Adrian Arredondo and Myrna Perez. The Celestial Awards™ hosted by actress and producer Renae Treviño honor women of achievement in the M&E industry following the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ Jan 15th & 16th at the Gunter Hotel. “I’m deeply honored to receive The Celestial Award for Excellence in Audio, Television & Film and equally honored to be associated with the great Irma Nicolas. It is a joy to spend my time championing and developing cinematic stories of Texas and Texans on behalf of Texas Monthly, a magazine whose 50-plus-year history captures so much of what is magical about the people and culture of this state. With a historic new incentives package for production here in Texas, this is an incredibly exciting time to be doing this work, and I’m grateful to Ceslie and the entire WIFT Texas team for this award,” said Megyn Creydt. Full release: go.wifttexas.org/MEGAN TKTS: go.wifttexas.org/TME

WIFT TEXAS ANNOUNCES PAULINA CHÁVEZ AS THE 2026 “CELESTIAL RISING™” AWARD HONOREE Paulina Chávez Will Be Honored at The Celestial Awards™ Show On January 17th At The World-Class Tobin Center In Downtown San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, June 24, 2025 –Today, Women in Film & Television Texas announced El Paso-born San Antonio-raised actress Paulina Chávez as the 2026 inaugural “Celestial Rising™” Award Honoree. At age 23, the proud Mexican-American actress already has significant film, music, theatre, and television credits and, Chávez is currently in Taylor Sheridan’s 101 Studios’ “Landman” which quickly became one of Paramount+’s most-watched series. Starring alongside heavyweights like Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, and Demi Moore, Paulina Chávez has claimed her space as a must-watch cast member and continues to deliver stellar performances as Ariana Medina, a resilient young widow navigating life and loss in the oil boomtowns of Texas. “I’m so honored (and honestly, a little emotional!) to be receiving the ‘Celestial Rising’ Award in my hometown, San Antonio. As an artist, this moment means a lot, especially getting to stand on the stage at the Tobin Center, where so much talent has passed through. I’m incredibly grateful to Women in Film & Television Texas for this recognition, and I’m really looking forward to a beautiful night surrounded by inspiring people,” said Paulina Chávez. The Celestial Awards™ honor trailblazing women of achievement in the Media & Entertainment industry. The highly produced and entertaining awards show will be hosted by actress and producer Renae Treviño, who was honored with the organization’s Theatrical & Comedy award in November 2024. “I’m thrilled Paulina Chávez has accepted our invitation to be honored with the inaugural ‘Celestial Rising’ Award. This young woman of achievement has set the bar high thus far in her career and is already a tour de force delivering memorable and impactful performances across multiple formats,” said CEO Ceslie Armstrong, “Paulina has captured audiences globally through stellar performances while maintaining her Texas pride and celebrating her Mexican-American heritage. ANNOUNCEMENT: WIFTTEXAS.ORG/NEWS

WIFT TEXAS ANNOUNCES SANDRA VALLS AS THE 2026 “CELESTIAL AWARD™ FOR EXCELLENCE IN THEATRICAL & COMEDY” HONOREE Trailblazing Performer and Advocate Sandra Valls Will Be Honored at The Celestial Awards™ Show on January 17th at The World-Class Tobin Center in Downtown San Antonio SAN ANTONIO, June 29, 2025 – Today, Women in Film & Television Texas proudly announced nationally celebrated comedian, actor, singer, and advocate Sandra Valls as the organization's 2026 honoree of "The Celestial Award™ for Excellence in Theatrical & Comedy. Valls, a Laredo, Texas native and lifelong champion of equity and representation, recently starred in "Real Women Have Curves: The Musical" (2025, The James Earl Jones Theatre), where she made her long-awaited Broadway debut as Prima Fulvia. The critically acclaimed production released its original Broadway cast recording on June 6, 2025, and received two nominations at the 78th Tony Awards—further proof of its cultural impact and Sandra’s powerhouse performance. “As a proud Latina, lesbian, and Texan, this recognition touches my heart. I stand on the shoulders of so many remarkable women, and I hope this reminds other women — especially those blazing their own paths — that their voices, stories, and dreams matter. Thank you for this incredible honor. I'm inspired to keep showing up, speaking out, and continuing to create boldly,” said Sandra Valls. Valls' unforgettable breakout on Showtime’s "The Latin Divas of Comedy" to her other television credits including “NickMom Night Out” (Nickelodeon), “One Night Stand Up” (LOGO), “Comics Unleashed” (ABC), and “Habla!” (HBO) and being a sought-after emcee, having hosted prestigious events such as TEDx Women, The Task Force Creating Change Conference, and the GLAAD Awards, Sandra Valls continues to break barriers and inspire audiences across the country. "We can’t wait to celebrate Sandra’s artistry, authenticity, and unstoppable spirit with fans, WIFT Texas members, supporters, Media & Entertainment industry pros at The Celestial Awards™," said CEO, Executive Producer Ceslie Armstrong. ADVANCE TICKET RESERVATIONS: [email protected] FULL ANNOUNCEMENT: WIFTTEXAS.ORG/NEWS

NEW DATE 6/2/26! WIFT Texas Members! Time to claim your complimentary tickets for your: TUES JUNE 2nd BETTER TOGETHER! SPRING SOCIAL 2026 WIFT TEXAS MEMBERS & THEIR GUESTS THE BEXAR STUDIOS - DOWNTOWN SAN ANTONIO Gather with your WIFT Texas sisters and guests to socialize and celebrate each other. Thinking of nominating a new member? Bring her as your guest! MEMBER & MEMBER'S GUEST COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS: go.wifttexas.org/SpringSocial NETWORKING, CONVERSATIONS, BITES & BEVS $0 Complimentary Member Tickets - Limit Two Tickets Per Member - Guest Must Accompany the WIFT TX Member Your host Ceslie Armstrong, WIFT Texas CEO, will be making exciting 2026 - 2027 WIFT Texas announcements including the New Committee Members, the WIFT TX: Speaker Series, the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ and The Celestial Awards™ and updates on how to participate. See Easy Parking & Free Downtown Tues Info HERE: go.wifttexas.org/SpringSocial For members who want to attend remotely, please email: [email protected] This is a good time to use your WIFT Texas Members ONLY discount at our official hotel: The Gunter Hotel, located three short blocks from The BeXar Studios. Questions? Email: [email protected]

Can’t wait to share HONEYJOON in Fort Worth at @themodernfw ! 📍 May 21 - The Modern Fort Worth @honeyjoonfilm @lilianfilm @aydenmayeri @amiracasar @zecondessa @andreia_nu @wondermariafilmes @nimruzofficial @sffilm @tribeca @att @portugalfilmcommission @kodak_shootfilm @minervapicturesinternational @tvcoworldsales @circle.collective @utopiamovies #themodern #themodernfortworth #fortworth #beyondthefestival #fortworthfilm

WELCOME ERIKA MARTINEZ, PROFESSIONAL MEMBER OF WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION TEXAS Owner/Celebrity Makeup Artist/Actress/Model, Honor & Co. Artistry Schertz, TX WIFT Texas Member, Est. 2025 Erika Martinez is a professional makeup artist with over 20 years of experience, beginning her career in Southern California and working throughout Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and Orange County. She first specialized in bridal and special events while training with brands such as MAC, Claudio Riaz, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, Estée Lauder, Westman Atelier, and CHANEL. Her career includes work with major brands and high-profile events like the Oscars Gifting Suites, Pepsi, P.F. Chang’s, HEB, Cavender’s, SuperHero Comic Con, SpaceCon, Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio Zoo, and Whole Foods. She has also worked with notable celebrities including Kit Harington, Andrew Garfield, Jennifer Aniston, Julianne Hough, Rosario Dawson, Diego Luna, and Jeremy Renner. After relocating to San Antonio six years ago, Erika built a sought-after makeup business supported by a skilled team trusted and referred throughout Texas and across the production industry. Together, they’ve contributed to more than 50 projects, including commercials, photoshoots, TV, film, celebrity events, and corporate productions. Known for her creative versatility and refined technique, Erika excels in polished skin, balanced brows, and seamless blending. She prioritizes clean, professional hygienic practices and uses professional grade and luxury products for long-lasting results in her kit. Erika is also a commercial actor and model represented by Entourage Talent Agency, booking 20 commercials in the past two years, including a 3 time Telly Award winning commercial with Black Rifle Coffee Company. More about Erika Martinez and Honor & Co. Artistry @honorcoartistry

Tinyrockbee in conversation with Elizabeth Buckley. Buckleys career spans some of the most respected platforms in documentary, factual, and narrative entertainment. Her creative work, leadership, and mentorship have made her one of the most influential champions of Texas storytelling in the national media landscape. In the same spirit of excellence, she recently produced “What’s the Story Wishbone?,” a feature documentary celebrating the iconic PBS series, and wrote and directed “The Stars at Night” which premiered at the Austin Film Festival in 2023 and led to invited screenings and speaking engagements aboard ATLAS Ocean Voyages. Her producing credits span platforms including HBO (Entre Nos), Curiosity Stream (Easter Island Eclipse), National Geographic, HISTORY Channel (Jurassic Fight Club), and Scripps Network (It’s Easy Being Green, featuring Paul Newman’s final television interview). Her independent feature credits include “Edge of the World,” “Hoovey” (Amazon), and Showtime’s “Dog Days of the West,” part of the award-winning Wishbone universe. Buckley received the George Foster Peabody Award for her work on “Wishbone,” which earned four Emmy Awards and the Television Critics Award. “When selecting who would be the inaugural recipient of our organization’s most prestigious award — ‘The Carol’ named in honor of and endorsed by Carol Burnett — it was an agonizing yet exciting process. We set the bar even higher for who would be that forever ‘first one,’ and I kept coming back to this passage in Carol Burnett’s statement: ‘…The importance of women supporting women of all cultures in our industry can not be overstated. There have been women in my life who advocated for me, and in turn, I have carried that practice forward throughout my career. ‘The Carol’ Award is a symbol of this action…’ This statement authentically describes Betty Buckley. She deserves this award for her body of work, advocacy for women, and excellence in all she does. Congratulations Betty!,” said WIFT Texas CEO & Executive Producer of the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ and The Celestial Awards™, Ceslie Armstrong. #cinemasoundoff #actor #director #womaninfilm

Tinyrockbee in conversation with Barbara Morgan at the Celestial Awards. Barbara is a founder and producer who transformed a festival into a global institution. When Morgan co-founded the Austin Film Festival (AFF) in 1993, she envisioned something that did not yet exist: a festival dedicated not only to filmmakers but also to writers, creators, and storytellers who are the foundation of every great film and television project. Known as the prominent festival that champions screenwriters and media creators, AFF boasts over two dozen internationally acclaimed film and screenplay competitions, diverse youth education programs, and a sprawling calendar of year-round events. Under Morgan’s three decades of leadership, AFF has grown from a weekend gathering into an eight-day global celebration of narrative craft, recognized worldwide for its prestigious screenwriting competitions, deep industry connections, and commitment to nurturing new creative voices. “Barbara Morgan has shaped the creative landscape of Texas in ways that will be felt for generations. As the co-founder of the Austin Film Festival, she built and produces one of the world’s most respected platforms for screenwriters and filmmakers. Her commitment to elevating writers, the architects of storytelling, has transformed careers and strengthened the creative economy of our state. Honoring her with ‘The Jocelyn’ award celebrates her visionary leadership and her profound contributions to the global storytelling community,”said Ceslie Armstrong, WIFT Texas CEO & Executive Producer of the Texas Media+Entertainment Summit™ and The Celestial Awards™. #austinfilmfestival #austinfilm #actor #director #writer

Honored to attend Celestial Awards™ presented by Women in Film & Television Texas @wifttexas honoring Women of Excellence in Media & Entertainment 1/17/26 @tobincentersa • wifttexas.org

Still soaking in the magic of the evening. So grateful to be part of the Celestial Awards celebrating brilliant women in film and television who lead with talent, heart, and vision. Being in a room filled with so much creativity, courage, and community was truly inspiring. Nights like this remind me why the work matters and how powerful it is when women show up for one another. Special thanks to Ceslie Armstrong, everyone at Cinemasoundoff and congratulations to Paulina Chávez, Megan Creydt, Sandra Valls, and every other honoree and woman leading with excellence and passion, deep in the heart of Texas. What a night! 🤍✨ #womeninspiringwomen #womeninfilmandtv

Tinyrockbee in conversation with Megan Creyit at the Celestial Awards. Megan is the Executive Producer of Story Development at Texas Monthly and a leading force behind Texas’ rapidly expanding pipeline of page-to-screen adaptations, as the 2026 recipient of “The Irma” Award for Excellence in Audio, Television & Film, named in honor of Irma Nicolas, a pioneering media founder (Univision) and fierce advocate for women in broadcasting. Megan Creydt has been instrumental in developing projects with platforms HBO, Max, Paramount+, and Netflix; her executive producing credits include “Landman” (Paramount+) “Hit Man” (Netflix), “Love & Death” (HBO Max), and How to Create a Sex Scandal (HBO Max). She is executive producer on two 2025 feature documentaries: “Night in West Texas” by Peabody Award-winning director Deb Esquenazi, and “Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood” by Adrian Arredondo #cinemasoundoff #journalist #sanantonio

tinyrockbee in conversation with @sandravalls1 at the #celestialawards “CELESTIAL AWARD™” HONOREE SANDRA VALLS Comedian • Actor • Singer • Advocate Sandra Valls is a dynamic comic, actor, singer, writer, and unapologetic advocate from Laredo, Texas. Known for her electrifying performance on Showtime’s “The Latin Divas of Comedy,” Sandra blends razor-sharp wit, physical comedy, and powerful storytelling into every performance. At the ripe age of 59 years young, Sandra made her Broadway debut in “Real Women Have Curves: The Musical” (2025, The James Earl Jones Theatre), playing the beloved crowd favorite, Prima Fulvia. The production released its original cast recording on June 6, 2025, and was nominated for two awards at the 78th Annual Tony Awards. Valls made her Off-Broadway debut with the smash hit play “The Latina Christmas Special,” which she co-wrote and starred in at the iconic Soho Playhouse. She has been recognized as one of Latina Magazine’s Top 33 Badass Comics with Latin Roots and one of GO Magazine’s Top 100 Women We Love. Sandra Valls’ television credits include “NickMom Night Out” (Nickelodeon), “One Night Stand Up” (LOGO), “Comics Unleashed” (ABC), and “Habla!” (HBO). She is a sought-after emcee, having hosted prestigious events such as TEDx Women, The Task Force Creating Change Conference, and the GLAAD Awards. A fierce community advocate, Sandra tours with Lezberados and Queer Queens of Qomedy, and has shared the stage with icons such as Melissa Etheridge and Eva Longoria. A staunch supporter of women’s rights, the LGBTQIA+, and the Latino community, Sandra channels her passion into volunteer work and producing powerful comedy shows that raise awareness for causes like domestic violence, AIDS, and recovery. Named to Unidos’ Project VISIBLE Latinos LGBT list, Sandra has also been honored by her hometown of Laredo, Texas, with the International Women’s Day Award for her tireless efforts to empower women and elevate queer voices. #cinemasoundoff #sandravalls #lgbtq #latinoexcellence