ANNOUNCING THE SUSAN AWARD – STATEMENT FROM DR. SUSAN BLACKWOOD

SAN ANTONIO’S DR. SUSAN BLACKWOOD TO BE HONORED WITH DISTINGUISHED AWARD AT INAUGURAL THE CELESTIAL AWARDS™

“The Susan” Award Will Be Presented On November 12th At The Celestial Awards™ Show At The Historic Majestic Theatre In Downtown San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO, October 13, 2024 – Today, Women in Film & Television San Antonio (WIFT SATX+) unveiled exciting updates about The Celestial Awards™ with the announcement of “The Susan” award for excellence in Sports Entertainment. This honor will celebrate Dr. Susan Blackwood’s remarkable legacy and her contributions to sports programming in San Antonio. Dr. Blackwood will receive the award on November 12, 2024, at The Majestic Theatre on Houston Street downtown.

“I’m thrilled and so honored to have The Celestial Award for sports entertainment named for me,” said Dr. Susan Blackwood. “When I joined San Antonio Sports as its executive director in 1996, I never imagined how much this city would mean to me. We’ve seen San Antonio’s profile as a sports destination grow nationally and internationally, and many determined, talented women have contributed to that growth. Sports hasn’t been an easy industry for women, but it’s a rewarding one, and I look forward to many women being recognized for their contributions to San Antonio’s sports scene.”

Dr. Susan Blackwood served as the executive director of the San Antonio Sports Foundation from 1996 to 2013, where she made a profound impact on the local sports community and the State of Texas. Under her leadership, San Antonio hosted five NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Fours and two NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championships. Her efforts not only boosted local youth participation in community sports programs but also significantly expanded the foundation’s annual budget. Dr. Blackwood’s work also contributed over $425 million in direct visitor spending to San Antonio’s economy.

“Susan Blackwood has built a remarkable career in sport. Leaders from the NCAA to USA Basketball to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee consider her their mentor and colleague,” said WIFT SATX+ Commissioner and San Antonio Sports board member Mary Ullmann Japhet. “We were fortunate to convince her to join San Antonio Sports as executive director in 1996, and she steered the city’s emergence as a major sports destination. At every turn, Susan has championed women who dreamed of a career in sport. She’s our north star, and it thrills me to see her honored in this way.”

Sports entertainment continues to be one of the fastest-growing genres of the overall media and entertainment industry globally. Regionally, San Antonio Sports has been the catalyst of phenomenal growth, with one example being the NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Championships which are returning to the city next year. In 2018, the economic impact was estimated at $185 million, and in 2025, San Antonio Sports anticipates that number to be about $220 million.

As a testament to Dr. Susan Blackwood’s pivotal role beginning in 1996, as of 2022 San Antonio Sports has topped one billion dollars in economic impact generated by premier events hosted along with its partners: the City of San Antonio, Visit San Antonio, Bexar County and host institutions (UTSA, University of the Incarnate Word.) Over the last 38 years, the nonprofit sports commission has put on sporting events that have made a positive impact locally and established the Alamo City as an international sports destination.

“San Antonio Sports, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, college and university sports, media production and distribution, and other sporting clubs throughout the San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas MSA are major drivers of economic growth, diversity, and opportunities for women to thrive in the industry Women in Film & Television San Antonio’s charter represents,” said CEO Ceslie Armstrong.

Following the recent announcements of “The Carol” award named for and endorsed by Carol Burnett, and “The Rosemary” award named for and endorsed by Rosemary Kowalski, WIFT SATX+ founding CEO and board chairwoman Ceslie Armstrong, Vice President Eileen Kret, The Celestial Awards™ producers, and key advisors will be announcing several more categories for The Celestial Awards™, honoring San Antonio women who significantly impact our community.

ABOUT WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION SAN ANTONIO

WIFT SATX+ is proudly an official chapter of Women in Film & Television International “WIFTI” (Women in Film & Television International), a global network of more than 13,000 members and 70 partners and chapters located on six continents that for more than 50 years has been dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women working in all areas and expertise in the Media & Entertainment industry including film, video, journalism, performing arts, live entertainment, law, and more.

Women in Film & Television San Antonio was founded by native San Antonian and Media & Entertainment veteran Ceslie Armstrong on November 11, 2023, at the invitation of the global organization.

The Women in Film & Television San Antonio mission and programming are dedicated to promoting equity for women in the Media & Entertainment industry, and the organization offers memberships for all people who want to advocate, align with, and show support. College students from across the state, individuals with an interest in learning about the industry, partner organizations, and corporate members comprise the membership and team. The WIFT SATX+ mission includes building community across the industry while collaborating with other WIFTI chapters and partners globally and organizations in the region we serve.

To learn more about becoming a member, supporter, partner, and the programming slate including The Celestial Awards™, visit WIFTSANANTONIO.ORG or email hello@wiftsanantonio.org.

To Contact our CEO Ceslie Armstrong directly: ceslie@ceslie.com

Media Contact, The Celestial Awards™:

Erin Moody: erin@wiftsanantonio.org

Mary Moore: editorial@wiftsanantonio.org