Press Release

For Immediate Release

Contact Information
Kristin Anderson
Phone: 206-635-0546
Email: kristin.anderson@seattle.gov

Mayor Katie B. Wilson awards Kate Becker, Abdul Kassamali, and Tom Florino with 2026 Mayor’s Film Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Film

SEATTLE – Today Mayor Katie B. Wilson awarded Kate Becker, Abdul Kassamali, and Tom Florino the 2026 Mayor’s Film Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Film, which celebrates those who have significantly contributed to Seattle’s film industry. The three awardees will be recognized tonight during the opening night celebration for the Seattle International Film Festival.

“For two decades, the Mayor’s Film Award has honored the incredible talent that defines Seattle’s film community. This year, I am excited to expand the award into three distinct categories, allowing us to celebrate our emerging filmmakers, spotlight the invaluable partners who support production, and honor the legacy of those who have built and sustained our film industry,” said Mayor Wilson. “Film is a cornerstone of our creative economy, and by recognizing leaders like Kate, Abdul, and Tom, we celebrate our commitment to making Seattle a place filmmakers and storytellers can do their best work.”

In its 20th year, the award now honors individuals and entities in three categories. The Legacy Award recognizes someone who raised the profile of the City of Seattle and its film industry through a film-related achievement or major contribution to the growth, advancement, and reputation of Seattle as a filmmaking city. Celebrating early-career directors, producers, and creators, the Emerging Award honors those demonstrating exceptional promise, talent, and a unique voice. The Industry Award recognizes a person or entity that supports Seattle filmmaking and film production through the prioritization of resources.

"Productions of all sizes create valuable jobs, support our local businesses, and showcase the best of what Seattle has to offer: our people," said Beto Yarce, acting director of the Seattle Office of Economic Development. "I’m thrilled to celebrate Kate, Abdul, and Tony. Through their individual achievements, they each exemplify what makes Seattle a film-friendly city and an exceptional place for creative work."

For her leadership developing initiatives, policies, and programs that support film production in Seattle and the region, Mayor Wilson awarded Kate Becker the Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film – Legacy. While serving as the King County Creative Economy Director, Becker developed film-friendly permitting and filming policies as well as leading the development and stewardship of Harbor Island Studios, turning an unused concrete flour mill into film stages. Prior to working for King County, Becker lead the former Seattle Office of Film and Music and co-founded The Vera Project and the Old Fire House.  

“I am beyond honored,” said Kate Becker. “Thank you to everyone who has partnered with me on work to fortify our regional film industry for the past twelve years. I am tremendously grateful to do this work with you, and I am deeply honored to accept this award.”

Abdul Kassamali received the inaugural Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film – Emerging Award for his work directing and producing commercial and branded content for local and national clients. A first-generation child of Kenyan immigrants, Kassamali is regarded as on the most consistent and trusted producers in Seattle. He’s known for his ability to bridge commercial production with authentic storytelling while fostering inclusive and collaborative environments.

“It is an honor just to be considered for this award, let alone win,” said Abdul Kassamali. “Being raised in Seattle and seeing all the changes we have gone through as a city in the last few decades, for better or for worse, I have always been proud to call this place my home as a filmmaker. I have yet to find another city that is so helpful and production friendly, regardless of the size of the set. Nothing else around the country compares to this, and the film industry here really feels like a real community that genuinely cares about each other; from the people at the film office issuing permits, to the crew that work so hard to consistently produce high quality work. I consider myself really lucky to be part of this community, and even luckier to be nominated for this award. I am excited to continue to grow with the city as more opportunities continue to find their ways here.”

For his leadership and impact across Seattle’s film and commercial production industries, Tom Florino of Amazon received the Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film – Industry Award. At Amazon, Florino ensures the company is contributing at the highest level of the Washington State Film Incentive Program through Washington Filmworks, strengthening the financial foundation of production and expanding opportunities for local crews and businesses. As a member of the Seattle Film Commission, Florino actively works to shape the strategy and advance initiatives designed to grow the industry, including the Seattle Commercial Film Production Initiative.

“The Puget Sound region has been Amazon's home for more than 30 years, and we're proud to be part of the creative community that makes this region so vibrant,” said Tom Florino. We're also proud to support Washington Filmworks, the Seattle Film Commission, and the continued growth of film, TV, and commercial production here. Creators are entrepreneurs and innovators as much as they are artists, and we believe a thriving local economy that welcomes investment strengthens the community we all share.”

What people are saying

Beth Barrett, SIFF Artistic Director "SIFF is thrilled to partner with the City of Seattle to recognize these leaders in the field, and the work that they do to advance the film industry and community of film-lovers. Their dedication to making Seattle a home for film and creative media is inspiring, and we are proud to honor those efforts tonight.”

Amy Lillard, Washington Filmworks Executive Director “Kate Becker’s impact on Washington’s film ecosystem is both visionary and enduring. From shaping film-friendly policies that make production possible, to transforming Harbor Island Studios into a vibrant hub for storytelling, Kate has consistently turned big ideas into lasting infrastructure. Her leadership and the founding of vital community institutions has expanded opportunity for filmmakers at every level. This recognition of her legacy is richly deserved, and we’re grateful for the foundation she’s built for the future of film in our region.”

The Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film is awarded to three individuals or entities who raised the profile of the City of Seattle and its film industry and community through an outstanding film-related achievement, or major contribution to the growth, advancement, and reputation of Seattle as a filmmaking city.  

The Seattle Film Commission, established in 2023, advises and makes recommendations to the City of Seattle on the development of policies and programs to enhance the economic development of Seattle’s film industry. The goal is to support City of Seattle creative economy priorities by providing equitable growth opportunities for local film industry businesses and workers, connect talent to quality jobs, advance racial equity within the industry, and make Seattle a premier location for film production.

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