On a recent Friday afternoon, the Beverly Wilshire ballroom was abuzz with excitement as Hollywood's top publicists gathered to celebrate their achievements. Among the highlights of this year's 62nd annual International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) Publicists Awards was the recognition of veteran actress Kathy Bates as Showperson of the Year. The event also honored various individuals and teams for their outstanding contributions in film, television, and community service. With a mix of heartfelt speeches, standing ovations, and light-hearted moments, the ceremony provided a rare opportunity for industry professionals to step back from their demanding roles and enjoy a moment of celebration.
Bates, who has enjoyed a remarkable career resurgence thanks to her critically acclaimed role on CBS's Matlock, was visibly moved by the accolade. At 76, she remains an influential figure in the entertainment world. Her acceptance speech borrowed a poignant reflection from Colin Farrell's SAG Awards address, emphasizing the unquantifiable nature of both acting and publicity work. While Bates highlighted the profession's playfulness, she acknowledged the tireless efforts of publicists whose jobs are often overlooked but are crucial to the industry's success.
The event featured numerous awards recognizing excellence across different facets of publicity. The Maxwell Weinberg Award for Film and Television went to Wicked and Agatha All Along, respectively. Disney's Bill Mona received the Les Mason Award for Career Achievement in Publicity, presented by past recipients including Jennifer Allen and Tony Angellotti. Rachael Roth was named Publicist of the Year, while Chiabella James and Michele K. Short were honored for their photography work in film and television. Journalists Perri Nemiroff and John Nugent also took home press awards.
A particularly moving moment came when Ngoc Nguyen accepted the Bob Yeager Award for Community Service. She shared her personal story, recounting her family's harrowing journey from Vietnam to Oregon and her battle with breast cancer. Nguyen praised J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath for supporting her transition into entertainment and philanthropy. Tim Menke, the long-serving chair of the ICG Publicists Awards, received the Henri Bollinger Award for Special Merit, reflecting on the profound impact his colleagues have had on his career.
The 62nd ICG Publicists Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the collective spirit of the entertainment industry. It was a day where publicists, actors, photographers, and journalists came together to honor each other's contributions. For Kathy Bates, it was yet another milestone in her illustrious career, reaffirming her enduring influence in Hollywood. The event concluded with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the unsung heroes who make the entertainment world shine.
For the ninth consecutive year, America’s Best Racing invites top horse betting experts to showcase their skills in selecting winners for crucial races leading up to the prestigious 2025 Triple Crown and culminating in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. This annual challenge, dubbed the “Big-Race Showdown,” pits seasoned handicappers against each other in a fierce competition that captures the essence of horse racing excitement. Throughout the season, players will submit their top three picks for key races every weekend, with their selections being tracked through a running bankroll based on $2 exacta and trifecta bets. The competition not only evaluates who can pick the most winners but also highlights the most profitable bettors.
The 2024 showdown saw Roberto Rodriguez clinch the title for the highest number of correct picks, boasting a 37.3% strike rate with 19 winners out of 51 contest races. Edison Hatter followed closely with 18 winners. In terms of earnings, Darwin Vizcaya led the pack with an impressive $641.82 in exacta bets and $1,131.08 from trifecta bets. This year, the roster includes notable personalities such as Edison Hatter, Thomas Kearney, Ashley Mailloux, Jessica Paquette, John Piassek, Roberto Rodriguez, Mike Somich, Darwin Vizcaya, Rowan Ward, and Alexa Zepp. As of now, Rodriguez leads with 18 wins from 48 races, while Vizcaya tops the charts in both exacta and trifecta earnings.
This week marks another thrilling chapter in the showdown with three major stakes races: the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct, the Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, and the DK Horse San Felipe Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Each race awards qualifying points for the 2025 Kentucky Derby on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale. The Fountain of Youth Stakes and San Felipe Stakes will be broadcast live on CNBC as part of NBC Sports’ 1/ST Racing Tour, airing from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, and streamed on Peacock. FanDuel TV will also feature these races alongside additional events at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park. Meanwhile, “America’s Day at the Races” on FS2 will cover the Gotham Stakes along with races from Aqueduct, Oaklawn Park, and Tampa Bay Downs.
The upcoming races promise to add more drama to the ongoing competition, where each expert aims to outperform their peers. With high-stakes races and significant points up for grabs, the 2025 Big-Race Showdown is set to be an exhilarating journey through the world of horse racing, testing the mettle of some of the brightest minds in the industry. Fans can look forward to witnessing intense rivalries and strategic plays unfold over the coming weeks, making this year's showdown one of the most anticipated events in the racing calendar.
The Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes, one of three key prep races for the Kentucky Derby 2025, will take place this Saturday at Gulfstream Park. Featuring a field of eight promising three-year-olds, this prestigious event offers crucial qualifying points to the top finishers. Burnham Square, the standout from the Holy Bull (G3), leads the pack but faces formidable competition from Sovereignty and Gate to Wire. Historically, only two horses have managed to win both the Holy Bull and the Fountain of Youth in the past decade. The race is scheduled for 5:42 p.m. EST under sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 70s.
Top Contenders and Their Prospects
Burnham Square, trained by Ian Wilkes, has demonstrated a strong affinity for Gulfstream Park. After an impressive nine-length victory to close out 2024, he secured another win in the Holy Bull (G3) in January 2025. His speed figures continue to improve, earning him a 95 Equibase speed figure. With tactical speed and an experienced jockey, Edgard Zayas, Burnham Square remains a strong contender. However, he must prove his dominance over a more seasoned field.
Burnham Square’s journey through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a board-hitter in Kentucky, he quickly adapted to the Gulfstream track, showcasing versatility in both sprinting and routing. In his most recent performance, he navigated a challenging outside post position to clinch a decisive victory. As a son of Liam’s Map, Burnham Square hails from a lineage of successful turf routers, including his second dam, Beautiful Noise. Despite Ian Wilkes’ modest graded stakes record, Burnham Square’s consistent improvement suggests he could be the horse to watch. His ability to adapt and lead early could be pivotal in securing another win.
Newcomers and Underdogs to Watch
Gate to Wire and Sovereignty present fresh challenges to the established favorites. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Gate to Wire made waves with a five-length triumph in the Swale Stakes, earning a career-best 99 Equibase speed rating. Although he lacks experience beyond seven furlongs, Pletcher’s expertise with sprint-to-route runners offers hope. Junior Alvarado rides Sovereignty, who broke his maiden in the Street Sense (G3). With solid late-pace figures and steady breezes, Sovereignty looks ready to make an impact in his first start since November 2024.
Gate to Wire’s breakthrough performance in the Swale Stakes was visually impressive, demonstrating a powerful closing kick despite limited long-distance experience. Trained by Todd Pletcher, known for his success with sprint-to-route transitions, Gate to Wire’s early running style could give him an edge. His sire, Munnings, boasts European group winners in his lineage, adding depth to his potential. Meanwhile, Sovereignty, trained by Bill Mott, brings tactical speed and a pedigree rich with stamina. Out of an unraced Bernardini mare, Sovereignty’s third dam includes notable performances in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Both horses will need to showcase maturity and adaptability to challenge the frontrunners.