The Paley Center for Media Announces Its Esteemed Honorees for The 2025 Paley Honors Spring Gala

Monday, March 24, 2025

A Tribute to Business Icon, Innovator, and Visionary Joe Tsai

A Celebration of Media and Sports Trailblazer Crystal McCrary

A Salute to the 50^th Anniversary of Good Morning America

Icon and Philanthropist Lynda Carter Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Wonder Woman

The Star-Studded Evening Benefiting The Paley Center for Media’s Education Programs and the Preservation of The Paley Archive Will Take Place on Monday, May 19 at Ziegfeld Ballroom

New York, NY, March 24, 2025 – The Paley Center for Media today announced the esteemed list of honorees for the 2025 Paley Honors Spring Gala. This annual New York celebration will pay tribute to business icon, innovator and visionary Joe Tsai; celebrate media and sports trailblazer Crystal McCrary; honor the 50th anniversary of the beloved ABC News morning program Good Morning America; and salute philanthropist Lynda Carter and her unforgettable performance as TV’s Wonder Woman on its 50th anniversary. All will be recognized with the Paley Center’s highest honor, The Paley Honors Award. This illustrious event will take place on Monday, May 19 at 6:30 pm at Ziegfeld Ballroom.

“Joe Tsai is a world-renowned industry icon whose innovative and visionary leadership continues to shape the future of business. Crystal McCrary is an award-winning producer making a groundbreaking impact as a media and sports trailblazer. For five decades, Good Morning America has been a trusted morning tradition, beloved by millions of Americans. And as television’s Wonder Woman marks fifty years, Lynda Carter’s iconic portrayal remains a timeless symbol of strength, courage, and empowerment,” said Maureen J. Reidy, President and CEO of The Paley Center for Media. “We are honored to present each of these distinguished honorees with our highest recognition, The Paley Honors Award.”

The Paley Center for Media is the world’s leading nonprofit cultural institution dedicated to preserving our media history and exploring media’s powerful shaping influence on culture and society. The proceeds from The Paley Honors support the organization’s educational programs, and preservation initiatives with the renowned Paley Archive.

The Spring 2025 Paley Honors honorees each have an incredible list of accomplishments including:

Joe Tsai is an admired leader whose achievements extend across technology, sports, and philanthropy. As the co-founder and chairman of Alibaba Group, he has contributed to shaping the global technology landscape, empowering consumers and businesses worldwide through innovations in e-commerce, cloud computing and AI. As the owners of the Brooklyn Nets, WNBA Champions New York Liberty, and teams in the National Lacrosse League and Premier Lacrosse League, Joe has demonstrated his passion for sports and a commitment to stewardship of sports teams as cultural and social institutions in their communities. In philanthropy, he led by example by championing causes in education, research, equality, and community building, inspiring many to make lasting impact to society.

Crystal McCrary is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, author, and entrepreneur. She began her career practicing entertainment law with Paul Weiss. Since leaving the firm, she has published two New York Times Best Selling novels and written the critically acclaimed non-fiction book INSPIRATION: Profiles of Black Women Changing the World. She also created original programming for BET and Nickelodeon. In 2023, Crystal along with her son Cole Anthony launched the youth sports tech platform GameUp which is a resource to help families navigate the fragmented world of youth sports. She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her Juris Doctor from New York University.

The Fiftieth Anniversary of Good Morning America. Since its debut in 1975 on ABC, Good Morning America has been a cornerstone of morning television, delivering breaking news, insightful interviews, and uplifting stories that shape the day. A pioneer in the industry, GMA seamlessly blends hard-hitting journalism with warmth, entertainment, and human-interest features, making it a cherished daily ritual for millions. With its distinguished, Emmy-award winning anchor team—Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, and Michael Strahan—alongside its legendary past anchors including Diane Sawyer, Charles Gibson, David Hartman, and Joan Lunden, Good Morning America has solidified its position as a beloved morning institution. As the show celebrates its 50th anniversary, it continues to evolve while maintaining its reputation as one of the most trusted voices in media.

Lynda Carter and the 50th Anniversary of Wonder Woman! In 2025, Lynda Carter actively embodies the spirit of justice and female empowerment as a dedicated philanthropist and advocate, working with organizations such as the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, City of Hope/TGen’s blood cancer research, and the ERA Coalition. In 1975, the character of Wonder Woman made her iconic TV debut in the groundbreaking television series, portrayed by Lynda Carter. Wonder Woman changed the way we view heroes and left a lasting impact on pop culture. On the 50th anniversary of Wonder Woman, we celebrate Lynda Carter’s trailblazing portrayal, which brought Wonder Woman to life with strength, courage, and compassion, resonating deeply with audiences and reshaping TV forever. Her portrayal continues to be celebrated by millions as the ultimate superheroine, inspiring generations of fans. Just as the show’s themes serve as powerful symbols of justice, integrity and empowerment worldwide, Lynda Carter actively supports organizations with goals of doing the same.

The spectacular evening will spotlight the contributions of each honoree with video highlights chronicling landmark achievements in their respective industries as well as heartfelt tributes from esteemed colleagues and other acclaimed media figures during a seated dinner.

For additional event information, including how to purchase tables, tickets, and ads, please visit paleycenter.org

Media Contacts:

Teresa Brady, Director of Communications, The Paley Center for Media

tbrady@paleycenter.org – 212 621-6757

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis

paleycenter@ssmandl.com

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About The Paley Center for Media 

The Paley Center for Media is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates the iconic Paley Museum in New York, which has been named The City’s Best “Best Museum” and “Best Children’s Party Place” for two years running. Through its respected programming, the Paley Center leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of media, drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the media community. The general public can enjoy best-in-class Paley events in both New York and Los Angeles. The public can also access The Paley Archive at The Paley Museum in New York and at the Beverly Hills Public Library in Beverly Hills. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry.