The George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts: Awarded to an individual (or team) who has contributed significantly to the artistic and cultural development of the region. The award may be given for accomplishments within the year, or for a lifetime. Recent recipients include Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz (2024); reviewer and critic Christine Dolen (2023); and in 2022 Michael Tilson Thomas, Cofounder and Artistic Director Laureate of the Miami Beach-based New World Symphony, as well as Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony and Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra; and Barbara & Lawrence E. Stein, the founders of Actors’ Playhouse.
The Vinnette Carroll Award:For significant achievement in advancing the cause of diversity, equality, and inclusion in South Florida theater. The inaugural winner of this award in 2022 was Marshall L. Davis, who has served for nearly 40 years as managing director of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) in Miami’s Liberty City. In 2023 the award was given to Christina Alexander & Katie Christie with Voices United; and in 2024 it went to director and actor John Pryor.
The Charlie Cinnamon Award:Honors an individual who contributes significantly to the support of the arts in South Florida and to the Carbonell Awards program. Previous Cinnamon Award winners include Bill Hirschman, the founder of FloridaTheatreOnStage.com (2023); longtime critic and Carbonell judge Hap Erstein (2022); the Broward Center’s Director of Marketing Jennifer Sierra-Grobbelaar (2019); Tony Finstrom, playwright and founder of the Silver Palm Awards (2018); and longtime arts patron and Carbonell judge Jerome J. (Jerry) Cohen (2017).
The Ruth Foreman Award: Recognizes contributions to South Florida theater development by an individual or group, for singular achievement and/or career contributions. Recent Foreman Award winners include Marilynn Wick (2024); Maltz Jupiter Theatre (2023); Teresa María Rojas (2022); The Amparo Experience (2020); Juggerknot Theatre Company (2019); Nicole Stodard (2018); and Florida Children’s Theatre (2016).
The Bill Hindman Award: Honors significant, long-term contributions to the region’s cultural life and onstage career achievement by performing artists based in South Florida. Recent Hindman Award winners include Carl Waisanen (2024); James Samuel Randolph (2023); Margot Moreland (2022); Barbara Bradshaw (2020); Harriet Oser (2015); and Don McArt (2013).
The Howard Kleinberg Award: Honors an individual or organization for contributions to the health and development of the arts in South Florida. Recent Kleinberg Award winners include Kermit Christman (2024); Ronnie Larsen (2023); Andie Arthur (2022); Deborah Margol (2018); Christine Dolen (2015); and Iris Acker (2014).
The Bill von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence: Honors a theater company that exemplifies excellence for the totality of its programming: productions, educational outreach, developmental programs, and audiences served. Previous von Maurer Award winners include Area Stage (2024); Slow Burn Theatre Company (2023); Theater Lab (2022); Palm Beach Dramaworks (2020); City Theatre (2015); Maltz Jupiter Theatre (2011); and Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre (2007).
