Description

The Los Angeles World Affairs Council (LAWAC) proudly presents its 2026 World Prize Gala, an exclusive evening bringing together dignitaries, prominent business leaders, diplomats, and thought influencers to celebrate individuals whose extraordinary contributions have advanced global understanding, cooperation, and progress. This event embodies LAWAC’s core values of leadership, innovation, and meaningful dialogue in international affairs.

Guests are in for a very special night. Enjoy a red carpet arrival and reception with complimentary cocktails, and a three course dinner with wine pairing. The evening will include an entertaining program to celebrate our distinguished honorees, including live music and many memorable moments.

The 2026 World Prize Gala will honor internationally recognized actress, artist, producer, humanitarian and New York Times bestselling author Sharon Stone, President and CEO Emeritus Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Cedars-Sinai Health System Thomas M. Priselac and respected philanthropist, civic leader and real estate developer Lynda Boone Fetter.

The evening will be hosted by nine-time Emmy Award-winning journalist Giselle Fernandez.

Gala Co-Chairs
Yesenia Monsour
Scott Porter

Watch the video highlights of the 2025 World Prize Gala HERE.

Sharon Stone 
is an internationally recognized actress, artist, producer, humanitarian and  New York Times bestselling author. Her film and television credits include “Basic Instinct” and “Casino,” for which she won a Golden Globe for Best Actress and an Academy Award nomination. Stone received two more Golden Globe nominations for her roles in “The Mighty” and “The Muse.” She has worked tirelessly to advocate for HIV/AIDS research and awareness, children's charities, disaster relief and women's rights. Stone has been honored with a United Nations Global Citizen Award, Nobel Peace Summit Award, a Harvard Humanitarian Award, a Human Rights Campaign Humanitarian Award and an Einstein Spirit of Achievement Award.

Thomas M. Priselac,
 a longtime advocate for improving quality and access in healthcare, developed strategic and operational innovations to foster high-quality, safe and efficient care for patients. Under his leadership, Cedars-Sinai earned an international reputation for quality care, community service, research and education while evolving from a community hospital to a major health system to better serve the people of the Los Angeles region. He has received numerous awards for his leadership in healthcare and his commitment to improving the health of the underserved, including the American Hospital Association’s Distinguished Service Award, B’nai B’rith International’s National Healthcare Leadership Award, the Special Needs Network’s Distinguished Community Champion Corporate Leadership Award and the Charles R. Drew University Board of Trustees Medal of Honor.

Lynda Boone Fetter  is a respected Southern California philanthropist whose decades of leadership have strengthened organizations dedicated to healthcare, education, scientific research and global engagement. Over the past 45 years, she has been involved in the development and stewardship of a portfolio of commercial properties throughout California's San Gabriel Valley while building a legacy of responsible development and community investment. In addition, she serves as CEO of Deer Crest Associates, overseeing the premier private residential community at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah. Boone Fetter serves on the Los Angeles World Affairs Council Board of Directors, supporting its mission to foster informed dialogue on local, national and international affairs while expanding civic engagement. Her philanthropic leadership has also advanced institutions including Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Caltech Associates and Southern California Public Radio.