MY HERO TO HONOR SYLVIA EARLE AWARD WINNERS IN A CELEBRATION OF WORLD OCEAN HEROES
The MY HERO International Film Festival received a record number of submissions this year for the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award, which recognizes outstanding films that highlight heroes working to save and preserve the world’s oceans.
The Sylvia Earle Award is presented each year on World Oceans Day - June 8th. This year, the winners will be unveiled at a special World Oceans Day celebration on Saturday, June 6th, at the Rivian South Coast Theater in Laguna Beach, CA
The short films by the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award Winners will be screened. IMAX filmmakers Barbara and Greg MacGillivray, who sponsor the annual prize, through MacGillivray Freeman FilmsOne World One Ocean Campaign, will be on hand to present the honors to the winning filmmakers.
Saturday, June 6, 2026 Doors open at 6:30pm Films start at 7:00pm
Rivian South Coast Theater 162 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA 92651
MY HERO TO HONOR SYLVIA EARLE AWARD WINNERS IN A CELEBRATION OF WORLD OCEAN HEROES
By: MY HERO Media
Professional Film Winners
Kyra and The Coral is a Sylvia Earle Award Finalist
By: Abigail Richardson
This film follows Murid and his daughter, Kyra, as they spend time together restoring coral reefs in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, one of the world's most biodiverse marine environments.
PRESS RELEASE Kevan Doyle
By: Malik Gamble
Centered around Phoenix Industries, “Caught” explores the company’s efforts to recover and recycle abandoned fishing nets — a major but often overlooked source of ocean pollution.
Finalists
Giannandrea Carpanzano is a Finalist for the MY HERO Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award
By: Abigail Richardson
The short film I Feel You directed by Giannandrea Carpanzano is a finalist in the category of the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award.
PRESS RELEASE Kaushiik Subramaniam
By: Malik Gamble
The film follows Bento Nhumassua on the beaches of Jangamo, Mozambique, tracing his journey from a child nearly lost to the ocean to a swimming instructor and master diver helping others overcome the same fears he once faced.
‘The Little Things’ by Lucas Lengagne
By: Naomi Gledhill
Read about 2026 Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award finalist, 'The Little Things,' by Lucas Lengagne.
'Ripple & Rocket'
By: Naomi Gledhill
Read about 'Ripple & Rocket' by Marianna Boorman and Kylie Claude, a finalist for the 2026 Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award.
Student Films
Winner
Isaac Nelson: Ocean Conservation Hero
By: Naomi Gledhill
Read about Isaac Nelson, an ocean conservation hero and filmmaker.
Finalists
Guardians of the Tide are Finalists for Sylvia Earle Award
By: Malik Gamble
This film follows the work of sea turtle conservationists in Malaysia and their efforts to protect one of the country's most iconic marine species and the fragile ecosystems
PRESS RELEASE Lara Rose Gribbin
By: Malik Gamble
This film explores the thriving marine ecosystem of Cabbage Tree Bay near Sydney, Australia, and the diverse community that has formed around its protected waters.
The film focuses on kelp forests and seagrass meadows — an often forgotten fixture of the ocean — and their ecological importance to marine ecosystems.
‘Riehpovuotna – Repparfjorden’
By: Naomi Gledhill
Read about finalist in the 2026 Sylvia Early Ocean Conservation Award, ‘Riehpovuotna – Repparfjorden’ by Claire Baumgarth.
Sylvia Earle Finalist Films 2026
Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award Student Finalists
By: Rachel Priebe
Congratulations to the 2026 student finalists of the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award!
Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award Professional Finalists
By: Ambi Butler
Congratulations to the 2026 professional finalists of the Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award!
Find out more about the award and see previous winners
Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award
Organizer created on 5/28/2026 3:52:31 AM by Abigail Richardson
Last edited 6/11/2026 7:12:08 AM by Naomi Gledhill
