On Monday, April 27, 2026, the 51st Chaplin Award Gala will honor George Clooney. One of Hollywood’s most influential figures, Clooney is widely admired for his multifaceted career as an actor, director, and producer, as well as for his global humanitarian work and reputation for humility, quick wit, and personal integrity.

The Chaplin Award Gala is Film at Lincoln Center’s major annual fundraiser, with all proceeds going to support our nonprofit organization’s mission to celebrate cinema as an essential art form and foster a vibrant home for film culture to thrive. By joining us in celebration of Clooney’s career, you’ll be helping to ensure the future of film remains vibrant.

The gala presenters include Emmy- and Grammy Award–winning host Stephen Colbert, whose Late Show debut in 2015 featured George Clooney as his first guest; Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies, who starred alongside Clooney in the critically acclaimed drama series ER; Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell, whose breakout performance in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was directed by Clooney; and Emmy Award–winning actor, writer, and director John Turturro, who starred alongside Clooney in the Academy Award–nominated O Brother, Where Art Thou? The Chaplin Award Tribute will feature excerpts from a selection of the renowned actor, director, producer, and humanitarian’s works; appearances by actors, friends, and colleagues; and the presentation of the award.

CO-CHAIRS
Kathy and Kris Heinzelman
Susan and John Hess
Susannah Gray and John Lyons
Imelda and Peter Sobiloff
Nanna and Dan Stern

VICE CHAIRS
Ellie and Edgar Cullman
Lisa and Sandy Ehrenkranz
Barry Feirstein
Tara Kelleher and Roy Zuckerberg
Wendy Keys
Ronnie Planalp
Paula and Ira Resnick
Mary Solomon

What is the Chaplin Award Gala?

Presented each year at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, the Chaplin Award recognizes an individual’s significant contributions to the art of cinema. The Gala evening will begin at Alice Tully Hall with a tribute program honoring Clooney’s remarkable work. The program will feature film highlights from Clooney’s illustrious career, personal stories from friends and colleagues, and an acceptance speech from Clooney. The evening concludes with a dinner on the Lincoln Center campus for Gala Dinner ticket holders.

The award was named for its first honoree in 1972, Charlie Chaplin, who returned to the U.S. from exile to accept the commendation. Past recipients have included many of the film industry’s most notable talents throughout the decades, including Pedro Almodóvar, Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett, Spike Lee, Meryl Streep, Martin Scorsese, Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, Sidney Poitier, Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, Bette Davis, Federico Fellini, and Gregory Peck. Explore the history of the Chaplin Award Gala here.

After purchasing, when will I receive my tickets?

Chaplin Tribute-only tickets can be emailed at time of purchase or held at the Alice Tully Hall Box Office for pickup on the evening of the event.

Chaplin Tribute + Gala Dinner tickets must be picked up on the evening of the event at the guest check-in tables in the lobby of Alice Tully Hall. For additional questions, please contact [email protected].

I have a Tribute-only ticket. what time should I arrive and where do I get my ticket?

The main doors of Alice Tully Hall will open at 5:30pm and the lobby bar will be open if you’d like to purchase a refreshment beforehand. The theater will begin seating at 6:30pm. You would have received your ticket digitally (from [email protected]) unless you asked that it be held at the box office. If you are picking up from the box office, please note it is the Alice Tully Hall box office (entrance at the north end of the lobby) and not the guest check-in tables that will be located in the lobby.

Chaplin Tribute + Gala Dinner tickets must be picked up on the evening of the event at the guest check-in tables in the lobby of Alice Tully Hall. For additional questions, please contact [email protected].

What is the dress code?

The evening’s attire is formal.

Are tickets tax-deductible?

Yes. For Chaplin Tribute + Gala Dinner tickets, the tax-deductible portion is the face value of each ticket minus $365. For Chaplin Tribute-only tickets, the tax-deductible portion is the face value of each ticket minus $80. Please consult your tax advisor as to your individual circumstance with regard to tax deductibility.

What is the seating setup for the Tribute?

Click here for an Alice Tully Hall seating map.

Can I choose my seats?

For Chaplin Tribute-only tickets, you may select your seats by purchasing in person at the Alice Tully Hall box office. It’s not possible to select specific seats when purchasing Chaplin Tribute-only tickets online—best available seats at the selected ticket type will be assigned automatically.

What if I have an ADA need and require accessible seating?

Alice Tully Hall offers accessible seating. Please call the Alice Tully Box office directly at 212.751.6500 for more information.

Can I get a refund if I’m not able to attend?

We are not able to issue refunds for Chaplin Tribute + Gala Dinner or Chaplin Tribute-only tickets.

How long is the Chaplin Tribute?

Approximately 90 minutes.

How do I get more details about the Gala Dinner?

Please email [email protected] for more information on the Gala Dinner; information on how to provide your support via check, wire, or stock transfer; or to confirm your commitment.