Bright Lights
Celebrating Louisiana Luminaries
Every spring, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities celebrates the brightest lights in Louisiana humanities at the Bright Lights Awards Dinner. The annual event recognizes the recipients of the LEH’s Bright Lights Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the study and understanding of the humanities.
The LEH and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser will host the 2026 Bright Lights Awards Dinner on Tuesday, March 24, at the Capitol Park Museum.
To become a sponsor or for more information, contact Jenni Daniel, vice president of institutional advancement, at daniel@leh.org or (504) 356-0517. Additional details on sponsorships are available below the ticket information.
Book a room at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center using our hotel block.
If you’re unable to attend but would like to recognize an awardee you can now make a gift to the LEH in their honor! Each recipient of a donation will be notified of the gift made in their name after the event. Give now here
Sponsorship information
The 2026 Bright Lights Awards Dinner is presented by 
ARTISTIC SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS
| Haynie Family Foundation |  |
TABLE SPONSORS
| Adams & Reese Abry Brothers, Inc. Accelerated Growth Partners and Halphen Forensic Accounting Bonvenu Bank |
CAPTRUST The Historic New Orleans Collection Mark and Rae Gremillion Linda and Joe Holyfield LSU Press LSU Shreveport |
Melinda and Morris Mintz Moyse Family Foundation Stine Union Pacific Railroad and Louisiana Lobbying Solutions |
PREMIUM PATRON
| Becky and Wyatt Collins | Rosemary and Randy Ewing |
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PRODUCTION SPONSORS John W. Deming and
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PROGRAM SPONSOR
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ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
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VENUE SPONSOR |
LIBATIONS SPONSOR |
Event History
Since 1985, the LEH has honored leading humanities scholars, authors, poets, literacy advocates, photographers, humanities patrons, and documentary filmmakers in Louisiana through the Humanities Awards.
The annual Bright Lights Awards Gala brings together local officials, community leaders, and humanities advocates alike to celebrate the year’s awardees and all that the humanities can achieve.
See the full list of Humanities Awards winners from 1985 to now here.
Want to stay updated on the latest involving the Bright Lights Awards Dinner and the Humanities Awards? Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter here.
