Freedom House 2026 Annual Awards & 85th Anniversary

Freedom House recognized a distinguished group of advocates for democracy and freedom at its Annual Awards ceremony on May 20, 2026, in Washington, DC, and launched “Investing in Freedom’s Future,” a campaign marking its 85th anniversary aimed at raising $85 million to support the fight to achieve a world where all are free. 

“Even as the world’s authoritarians collude to shape a darker world order, the fight to live in freedom cannot be extinguished, and the courage and accomplishments of our awardees are an inspiration to us all. Their work is a reminder that freedom only advances when we are willing to stand up and fight for it,” said Freedom House CEO Jamie Fly. “As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the transformational ideas underpinning the American experiment, we also commemorate Freedom House’s 85th anniversary and the impact of our work over decades to support democracy’s bravest defenders. We are proud to announce our 85th anniversary campaign, Investing in Freedom’s Future—the first of several new initiatives that will strengthen our efforts to inform, mobilize, and support defenders of freedom everywhere.”  Learn more about the campaign.

2026 Freedom Award: Media publisher and prodemocracy advocate Jimmy Lai, who has been imprisoned in Hong Kong under a Beijing-imposed national security law, was honored with this year’s Freedom Award, which recognizes outstanding leaders in the cause of freedom and democracy. A self-made entrepreneur who built one of Asia’s most influential independent media organizations, Lai has long used his platform to defend press freedom and challenge authoritarian rule. Today, the 78-year-old British citizen is imprisoned in Hong Kong under the draconian, Beijing-imposed National Security Law, following his arrest in 2020 on politically motivated charges. He has spent more than five years in detention, almost entirely in solitary confinement. The award was introduced by the Honorable Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the United States House of Representatives and the 27th US National Security Advisor, H.E. Ambassador Robert O’Brien, and accepted by Lai’s daughter, Claire Lai.  

2026 Leadership Award: Freedom House presented the Leadership Award to the country of Finland, recognizing outstanding dedication to principled leadership on the world stage and supporting those on the front lines of freedom against tyranny. Finland has long been among the world’s highest performing democracies according to Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report, and in the latest edition was the only country to score 100 out of a possible 100 points on a scale based on indicators derived primarily from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Successive Finnish governments and the people of Finland have demonstrated commitment to protecting political rights and civil liberties, and this achievement affirms that democratic institutions, when actively protected and renewed, can endure and thrive even amid heightened geopolitical and security pressures. At a moment when authoritarianism is on the rise globally, Finland’s efforts to ensure fundamental freedoms underscore the importance of unity, resilience, and democratic resolve. The award was introduced by Co-Chair Emeritus of the Freedom House Board and former nine-term congresswoman from California, the Honorable Jane Harman, and accepted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb on behalf of Finland in a video message. Finnish Ambassador to the United States H.E. Leena-Kaisa Mikkola accepted the award in person at Freedom House’s awards ceremony in Washington, DC. 

2026 Alfred Moses Liberty Award: Freedom House honored Rosa María Payá Acevedo with the Alfred Moses Liberty Award, recognizing her courageous leadership in the fight for a free Cuba and her efforts to secure justice for political prisoners. As founder of Cuba Decide, Payá has been at the forefront of the movement for democratic change in Cuba. The Miami-based organization helps mobilize citizens to demand free and fair elections and respect for fundamental rights. Through her leadership of Cuba Decide, Payá has built unprecedented coordination among prodemocracy actors in Cuba and across the Americas, elevating the call for freedom on the global stage. Payá serves as Commissioner to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which focuses on promoting and protecting human rights in the Americas. 

2026 Beacon Award: Freedom House recognized Dr. Dionisio Gutiérrez with the Beacon Award. A businessman, activist, and communications leader whose career has been defined by a deep commitment to democratic values, Dr. Gutiérrez was recognized for his steadfast efforts to protect global democracy by countering rising authoritarianism. As president of Fundación Libertad y Desarrollo, Dr. Gutiérrez has helped advance independent analysis and long-term policy thinking in Central America. He also hosts the talk show Razón de Estado, where he has encouraged serious public conversation on governance, liberty, and the future of the region, and is a member of the Freedom House Board. His leadership reflects the kind of sustained civic commitment that democracy needs to thrive. The Beacon Award was introduced by Freedom House Board Chair Norman Willox, and accepted in person by Dr. Gutiérrez. 

2026 Mark Palmer Prize: Freedom House announced that the fifth President of Georgia, H.E. Salome Zourabichvili, will receive the Mark Palmer Prize. Named in honor of Ambassador Mark Palmer—a longtime Freedom House trustee and US ambassador to Hungary from 1986 to 1990—the award reflects his legacy of principled diplomacy. Zourabichvili’s distinguished career as a diplomat and stateswoman, and her principled leadership in defense of Georgia’s democratic trajectory and European future, exemplify the spirit of this award. Elected as Georgia’s first woman president and serving from 2018 to 2024, Zourabichvili is a steadfast advocate for democratic governance and European integration. Amid a period of significant democratic backsliding in Georgia—including restrictive legislation targeting the opposition, media, and civil society, and other pressure on their operations—she has stood resolutely with the people of Georgia and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her nation’s democratic path and sovereignty. The award was announced by Freedom House Emeritus Board Member Dr. Sushma Palmer, and will be accepted in person by President Zourabichvili when she visits Washington in June. 

2026 Edward R. Murrow Guardian of Democracy Award: Freedom House recognized the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press with the Edward R. Murrow Guardian of Democracy Award. The organization is the leading pro bono legal services organization for journalists and newsrooms in the United States, providing legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources at no cost to protect First Amendment freedoms and the news-gathering rights of journalists across the country. Through its efforts supporting journalists and free speech, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press has been at the forefront of defending democratic values in the United States. The award was introduced by Pulitzer Prize–winning author, investigative journalist, editor, and global news leader Amanda Bennett, and accepted by Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Vice President for Legal Programs Lisa Zycherman. 

In remarks delivered at the event, actor, producer, and human rights advocate Nazanin Boniadi reaffirmed that courage and unity can overcome tyranny in Iran and around the world. Freedom House stands with the people of Iran and calls on democratic governments, civil society, and freedom’s defenders everywhere to support the Iranian people in their struggle for freedom and the right to define their own future. Read Boniadi’s full remarks. 

As part of its 85th anniversary celebration, Freedom House arranged a special commission with Laura Roosevelt, the great-granddaughter of President Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt. Laura is an American contemporary artist whose work explores the intersection of democracy, history and human experience. Learn more about Roosevelt's art and the Freedom House Commission.