LA's World Prize Gala: Honoring the Quiet Architects of Global Progress

LOS ANGELES, CA – August 11, 2026

When a press release announces a gala, it’s easy to focus on the surface details: a glittering venue, a list of famous names, and the promise of a memorable evening. The announcement for the Los Angeles World Affairs Council’s 2026 World Prize Gala, scheduled for September 29, is no exception. It lists an Academy Award-nominated actress, a revered healthcare CEO, and a formidable philanthropist as its honorees. But behind the formal announcements and the expected glamour of the Taglyan Cultural Complex lies a more compelling story—one about the evolving nature of power and influence in a city often defined by a single industry.

As a former analyst, I’m trained to look for the patterns beneath the numbers. As a writer, I look for the narrative. Here, the data points aren’t stock prices, but the careers of the three individuals being honored: Sharon Stone, Thomas M. Priselac, and Lynda Boone Fetter. Their collective story isn't just about individual achievement; it's a powerful reflection of Los Angeles's growing role as a hub for global progress, driven by a diverse coalition of leaders from entertainment, science, and business.

A Trio of Titans: Redefining Influence

At first glance, the honorees seem to represent disparate corners of Southern California's elite. An actress known for iconic film roles, a CEO who spent decades building a healthcare empire, and a philanthropist who has quietly shaped the region's civic landscape. Yet, the Council’s decision to honor them together highlights a crucial shift. It suggests a new definition of global impact—one where a celebrity’s platform, a hospital’s research, and a developer’s community investments are all recognized as vital contributions to international cooperation and understanding.

“This year’s honorees embody the Council’s mission of promoting civil discourse and civic engagement,” said The Honorable Maria Contreras-Sweet, Chair of the Los Angeles World Affairs Council. Her statement underscores a key theme: in a world facing complex challenges, leadership can and must come from every sector.

The Humanitarian Icon: Sharon Stone's Enduring Crusade

Sharon Stone’s name is synonymous with Hollywood, but her most enduring role may be that of a global humanitarian. The press release notes her Emmy and Golden Globe awards, but the real story of her impact lies in a different set of honors: a Nobel Peace Summit Award, a Harvard Humanitarian Award, and a United Nations Global Citizen Award. These aren't accolades for acting; they are recognition for decades of relentless advocacy.

Since taking on the role of Global Campaign Chair for amfAR in 1998, Stone has leveraged her fame to raise hundreds of millions for HIV/AIDS research, helping to turn the tide on a global pandemic. Her commitment is not a fleeting celebrity pastime. Just this past May, at the Cannes Film Festival, she received the Better World Fund's Best Engagement Award, where she issued a powerful call for global solidarity and increased investment in women. Her recent work also includes mobilizing relief efforts during the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and her upcoming honor at The Creative Coalition's 2026 Humanitarian Awards Dinner. Stone exemplifies how a public platform can be transformed into a powerful engine for global health equity and social justice.

The Healthcare Architect: Thomas Priselac's Global Legacy

While Stone worked in the global spotlight, Thomas M. Priselac built a legacy of global significance from his office at Cedars-Sinai. His 45-year career, including 30 as President and CEO before his recent transition to emeritus status, represents a masterclass in long-term strategic vision. He didn't just run a hospital; he transformed a respected community institution into a world-renowned academic health system.

The numbers are staggering, but the story is in the impact. Under Priselac’s leadership, Cedars-Sinai became a global destination for patients seeking cutting-edge care and a training ground for thousands of medical professionals who now practice around the world. His advocacy was instrumental in national healthcare policy discussions, including during the formation of the Affordable Care Act. His election to the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Sciences in April 2026 was not just for running a successful organization, but for his profound contributions to the nonprofit and healthcare sectors. Perhaps most visibly, his tenure secured Cedars-Sinai's role as the Official Medical Provider for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a testament to the institution's global standing and its capacity to serve an international community.

The Quiet Philanthropist: Lynda Boone Fetter's Foundational Impact

The third honoree, Lynda Boone Fetter, represents a pillar of influence that is often the most powerful yet least visible. A real estate developer and civic leader, Boone Fetter has spent decades strengthening the very foundations of the community. Her work is not always in the headlines, but its effects are tangible and lasting.

Her leadership extends from serving on the Los Angeles World Affairs Council's own Board of Directors to advancing institutions like Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Caltech, and Southern California Public Radio. The impact is deeply personal and specific; the Boone Fetter Autism Treatment clinic at CHLA is a vital resource for families, and its long waitlist, noted in a recent report, speaks to the immense need it serves. For over 45 years, she has balanced her role as CEO of Deer Crest Associates and her stewardship of commercial properties in the San Gabriel Valley with a profound commitment to building a “legacy of responsible development and community investment.” Fetter’s career demonstrates that building a better world can start with building a stronger, healthier, and more informed local community.

A Forum for the World, Forged in LA

Hosting this event is the Los Angeles World Affairs Council itself, an institution that for over 70 years has been central to the city's role on the world stage. Its history is a roster of global influencers, from Martin Luther King Jr. and the Dalai Lama to Margaret Thatcher and Bill Gates. By providing a non-partisan forum for dialogue, the Council has consistently reinforced the idea that Los Angeles is not just a city of dreams, but a city of ideas.

As Chairwoman Contreras-Sweet noted, “An informed citizenry is essential to assure and deepen democracy.” This gala, emceed by decorated journalist Giselle Fernandez, is more than a celebration; it is a reaffirmation of that mission. It leverages the city’s star power and economic might—California is the world’s 4th largest economy, after all—to focus attention on the substance of global progress. It is a powerful reminder that the work of advancing global understanding is a shared responsibility, shouldered by leaders across every field of human endeavor.