Chuck Lorre to Deliver Keynote Speech at the Banff World Media Festival
Iconic television creator Chuck Lorre is set to headline the Banff World Media Festival as a keynote speaker. This highly anticipated event will take place from June 8 to 11, 2025, marking Lorre’s return to Banff after he was honored with the Sir Peter Ustinov Comedy Award at the festival in 2012.
Lorre, known for his remarkable contributions as a comedy creator and executive producer, is widely recognized for his groundbreaking series including The Big Bang Theory and its spin-offs, Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. He continues to expand his repertoire with an exciting new project titled Leanne, set to premiere on Netflix and featuring comedian Leanne Morgan.
A Legacy of Successful Productions
Based at Warner Bros. Television, Lorre’s impressive portfolio also includes Bookie, The Kominsky Method, Mom, Mike & Molly, and Two and a Half Men. His earlier works feature titles like Cybill, Dharma & Greg, and Grace Under Fire, along with a co-executive production role on Roseanne.
Exciting Developments at the Summit Series
This year’s Summit Series at Banff is set to showcase not only Lorre but also notable industry leaders like Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, and Keith Le Goy, Chairman of Sony Pictures Television. In a novel twist, the festival will for the first time merge the Banff Gala Awards and the Rockie Awards into a single celebration honoring exceptional talent across the television landscape.
Rockie Awards Showcase Global Talent
The competition for the Rockie Awards will be fierce this year, with American productions leading with 54 nominations, closely trailed by their British counterparts with 52 nominations. Highlighting the festival’s global scope, Korea has been named the inaugural Country of Honor and will receive special recognition during the Rockie Awards presentation.
Additionally, acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer is set to receive a Career Achievement Award and engage in an informal discussion, providing festival attendees with unique insights into his illustrious career.
With such an impressive lineup and exciting initiatives, this year’s Banff World Media Festival promises to be a landmark event in celebrating creativity and excellence in television.