Photos: Inaugural MV Awards Honors Creative Veterans at Beverly Wilshire Hotel
On May 24, the Beverly Wilshire Hotel hosted the inaugural Military & Veterans Entertainment Awards, an evening dedicated to recognizing the creative contributions of military veterans and service members in film, television, and digital media. Sponsored by American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283, the gala brought together over 600 attendees to celebrate veterans’ achievements in storytelling.
The event was co-hosted by Air Force veteran BJ Lange and Navy/Marine veteran Amy Forsythe, and featured awards across categories such as Best Actor, Best Director, and Influencer of the Year. A standout moment of the night was Army veteran Simone Silva’s win for Best Film Writer for her short film Code Specter, a project crafted almost entirely by veterans.
The gala also paid tribute to notable figures in the veteran community, including Medal of Honor recipient Gary Littrell and Gold Star mother Paula Knauss-Selph. American Legion Post 283 Commander and MVAwards CEO Joe Ramirez introduced a special category for Best Vietnam Short Documentary, underscoring the Academy’s mission to elevate veteran voices in media.
Veteran actor Jennifer Marshall described the event as “long overdue,” commending The American Legion for fostering a sense of belonging and recognition for veterans in the creative space.
This year’s top honor went to Stone Garden, which received the $5,000 cash prize and was named the overall winner. The film is now streaming on VetstreamTV. Full listings of the winners will be posted in the coming days, with the NEAA emphasizing that all participants’ work will be honored and featured.
The evening marked a significant milestone in bridging the gap between military service and creative achievement, setting a new standard for recognition and community within the entertainment industry.
For more updates and information about future events and opportunities to get involved, visit the National Entertainment Awards Academy’s official website.
See National American Legion’s story on the event.
