AARP Honors 2026 Movies, TV Shows for Grownups

AARP recognized the winners of the annual Movies for Grownups Awards, honoring standout films and television projects that celebrate the voices, creativity, and stories of people 50 and older. Honorees from "Frankenstein," "Is This Thing On?," "Jay Kelly," "Matlock," "One Battle After Another," "Sentimental Value," "Sinners, "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," "The Pitt," and more were in attendance.

"Hamnet" was awarded Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups while Adam Sandler was honored with the Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award for his enduring impact and versatility as one of Hollywood's most influential performers.

When Sandler received his award, he brought down the house with a tongue-in-cheek "top ten" list of signs he's officially growing up. Henry Winkler, a longtime friend of Sandler since being immortalized in his original Hannukah song, reflected on Sandler's unwavering loyalty and genuine character, qualities that have defined their decades-long bond.

For more than 20 years, AARP's Movies for Grownups has championed authentic storytelling for and by people 50-plus. The franchise advocates for the 50-plus audience, challenges industry ageism and champions films and television that resonate with older viewers. By celebrating the creativity and experience of seasoned actors and filmmakers, Movies for Grownups continue to elevate stories that reflect the richness of life at every age.

"Powerful storytelling has no age limit – and tonight's honorees show what is possible when talent and experience define the stories we see on screen," said Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, AARP CEO. "Our latest research shows why this work matters: 81% of adults (18-plus) say what they see on screen shapes how society views getting older. When artists and creators tell honest, multidimensional stories about people over 50, audiences across generations connect with them – and that connection is driving change. These honorees are challenging the narrative around aging in Hollywood, pushing back against ageism, and setting a new standard for what storytelling can, and should, look like."

Chloé Zhao, Paul Mescal, and Jessie Buckley accepted the award for Best Picture/Best Movie for Grownups for "Hamnet," and Noah Wyle and R. Scott Gemmill accepted Best TV Series or Limited Series for "The Pitt."

George Clooney, honored as Best Actor for "Jay Kelly," and Noah Wyle, recognized as Best TV Actor for "The Pitt," shared a heartfelt moment by presenting awards to one another, a nod to their longtime friendship and collaboration that began on the iconic series "ER."

Clooney reflected on his latest role in "Jay Kelly," saying, "I couldn't believe my luck that I got to play the part... This film was made by people who love actors."

Wyle added that "The Pitt" has given him the chance to thrive at this stage of his life, underscoring how opportunities can emerge and evolve over time.

The theme of gratitude was echoed throughout the evening. Best Actress winner Laura Dern, honored for "Is This Thing On?," spoke about legacy and privilege of storytelling: "My parents taught me... we are lucky and blessed to be part of this industry. It is an extraordinary gift not to be wasted."

Kathy Bates, who received Best TV Actress for "Matlock," dedicated her award to her mother and reflected on how opportunities continue to evolve, even at the age of 77.

"Thank the good Lord, week after week, especially older women who have reached out to share how empowered they are to finally be able to feel seen in their own lives," she said.

These moments captured the spirit of the Movies for Grownups Awards and the mood of the room, of laughing and crying and telling stories about all ages and stages of their lives.

Jacob Elordi presented the Best Director award to Guillermo del Toro for "Frankenstein, "saying, "It's really special to be here tonight to present the AARP Award for Best Director to someone I've long admired, Guillermo del Toro." He continued, "With 'Frankenstein,' Guillermo returns to a story he's carried with him for decades. This version isn't about spectacle. It's about responsibility – about what it means to create something and what happens when you don't take care of it."

The event, hosted by Alan Cumming, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning host of the widely lauded competition show "The Traitors," was broadcast by Great Performances on February 22 on PBS, and can be seen at pbs.org/moviesforgrownups and the PBS app.

The annual Movies for Grownups Awards raises funds for AARP Foundation, which works to strengthen financial resilience for and with older adults - in Los Angeles and across the country - by empowering individuals and improving systems.