PAC NYC Honors Bob Iger as 2026 Icon of Culture

A star-studded gala in lower Manhattan honored former Disney CEO Bob Iger as the 2026 PAC NYC Icon of Culture, recognizing his contributions to cultural excellence.

The event at the Perelman Performing Arts Center at One World Trade Center drew a well-heeled audience, including notable figures such as actress Ariana DeBose and singer Nick Jonas. ABC News anchors Robin Roberts and David Muir were also in attendance, adding to the evening's glamour. Iger was visibly moved by the recognition.

A surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse stole the show, with a life-size version of the iconic cartoon character making its way onto the stage amidst gasps from the audience. The mouse then took on an unexpected role, conducting the orchestra as a video highlighting Disney's extensive film and TV library played in the background. This unconventional moment seemed to delight the crowd.

Iger was visibly touched by the honor and expressed his gratitude for being recognized as an icon of culture. He noted that he is always humbled when receiving awards but felt particularly overwhelmed by this one, especially with Mickey Mouse sharing the stage with him.

The musical performances at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala continued with a live medley of hits from various Disney productions, including Newsies, Aladdin, Frozen, and The Greatest Showman.

This medley was introduced by Jonas, who also spoke about Bob Iger's support for new talent. According to Jonas, Iger believed in him and his brothers when they were just starting out with their musical career.

The stage version of The Greatest Showman is set to premiere in London's West End next year, 2027. In celebration of this upcoming production, EGOT-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul took the stage to perform two songs from the original movie-turned-musical.

They also performed a new song, "The Show Goes On, which is part of the stage production. This was followed by performances from other artists, including DeBose, Samara Joy, who opened with Stardust" and "Just in Time", and Rufus Wainwright, who closed the show with "When You Wish Upon a Star from Disney's Pinocchio.

The evening also featured a cameo appearance by Jiminy Cricket at the end of Wainwright's performance. Additionally, Hamilton actors Austin Scott and Isaiah Johnson performed One Last Time, one of Iger's favorite songs from the acclaimed musical, which was later adapted into a film released on Disney+ during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The evening's celebration was not just a tribute to Iger's career but also an opportunity for him to express his gratitude towards those who made it possible.

Iger took the stage, acknowledging that he had dominated the conversation so far and humorously quipped Enough about me. However, in all seriousness, he was visibly moved by the tribute and expressed his heartfelt thanks to those involved, calling it an unbelievable" honor.

The event's significance extends beyond Iger's personal recognition. PAC NYC's efforts to rebuild lower Manhattan after 9/11 have created a space that serves as a powerful symbol of resilience. This achievement is all the more notable given the challenges faced by the community in those trying times.

In his remarks, Iger emphasized the importance of communal cultural experiences in today's world. With disruption and polarization on the rise, art and culture provide a vital escape from anxiety and challenge.

Bob Iger's vision for communal cultural experiences is rooted in his personal life. He shared a story about wanting to sit under their family's 100-year-old fig tree, enjoying some quiet time, but this peaceful moment is disrupted by the constant falling of figs.

The CEO's anecdote highlights the challenges of finding solitude in today's world. His comment serves as a poignant reminder that even in our own homes, we can't always escape the distractions and interruptions that come with living in a society marked by disruption and polarization.