This year, the Governors’ Award honoree is the Los Angeles County Fire Department Air Operations Section, whose water drops turned the tide in the effort to contain the fires.
The President’s Award honourees are James Ramos,KTLA Senior Staff News Videographer and John Schreiber, CBS Los Angeles Photojournalist, for their exceptional coverage on the front lines. The recipients will be presented and honored during the annual SOC Lifetime Achievement Awards on February 15, 2025, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel.
“The SOC has a long tradition of honouring those whose work might otherwise go unrecognised,” said Matthew Moriarty, SOC President. “The LA fires made us see that tradition in a whole new way, and it became a kind of mission to identify the unsung heroes of that event and express our gratitude for their courage and dedication.”
The Governors’ Award will honor the entire Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Air Operations Section: its commanders, pilots and maintenance crews, for their lifesaving efforts during one of the most destructive wildfire seasons in California’s history. Their heroic aerial operations were instrumental in protecting lives and providing essential support in the face of unimaginable devastation.
The President Award is going to two videographers who covered the fires on the front line as they were unfolding in real time. James Ramos, Senior Staff News Videographer at KTLA for 33 years, is being honored for his impactful coverage of the Palisades and Altadena wildfires, delivering visuals that informed and moved audiences. John Schreiber, CBS Los Angeles Photojournalist, will also receive the award for his fearless coverage on the front lines, braving intense embers and high winds to document the devastation. His viral broadcast footage of rescuing chickens during an evacuation not only captured a moment of humanity amid chaos, but also brought critical awareness to the human and animal toll of the wildfires.
Thanks to a generous donation from Fujifilm, the Honoree & Nominee Reception on Friday, February 14th will now be free for all members. Additionally, Fujifilm’s support has made it possible to provide 100 complimentary seats for SOC members at Saturday’s Awards dinner celebration, fostering unity and honoring the resilience of the SOC community.
“Now more than ever, the need to come together, support one another and share in our community’s success, is paramount,” shared Stosh Durbacz, Vice President Sales, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Fujifilm remains committed to supporting the celebration of the film making crews that create the most inspiring images we see today.”
Moriarty added, “Whether in black tie or whatever you have to wear, we want you there—this night is about coming together as a community, finding light in the darkest times, and recognizing the impact we can make when we all come together.”
The SOC Awards weekend will be held Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Loews Hollywood Hotel. Awards details and past recipients can be found on the Awards site: SOCAwards.com. For further information about the SOC’s Annual Society of Camera Operators Awards Celebration, visit SOC.org. More details to be announced.
