March 24th, 2026 TRIBECA X ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY 2026 SPEAKER LINEUP
Cedric the Entertainer, Ted Danson, Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, Dhar Mann, K-Pop Demon Hunters Writers Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, Public Opinion's Gus Wenner and Jack Coyne, and more to appear at June 8-9 Event in NYC
Extended Submissions Deadline April 8: https://tribecafilm.com/tribecax/xawards
Tribeca X Passes for June 8-9 Event on Sale Now: https://tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets
New York, NY, March 23, 2026 - Tribeca X, the Tribeca Festival's flagship program for brand-driven storytelling, today unveiled a preview of its 2026 speaker lineup. Taking place June 8-9 at Spring Studios, the Festival's hub in New York City, Tribeca X convenes leading voices from entertainment and marketing for two full days of premiere screenings, conversations, and cross-industry networking. The 2026 Tribeca Festival is presented by OKX.
Each year during the Tribeca Festival, Tribeca X brings brand-supported work into the heart of one of New York's most coveted cultural moments, showcasing it alongside independent film and original storytelling. The program culminates with the Tribeca X Awards, which honor the most innovative and impactful brand storytelling across film, series, podcasts, social, and traditional commercial work. Submissions for the 2026 Tribeca X Awards are open through April 8.
This year's speaker lineup represents a dynamic cross-section of creators, executives, and cultural leaders shaping the future of entertainment, marketing, and storytelling. Participants include:
Cedric the Entertainer, Partner, AC BBQ and Founder, Setta Wines
Ted Danson, Actor, Philanthropist, & Podcast Host
Elizabeth Rutledge, CMO of American Express
Jo Cronk, Co-CEO, Whalar
Brooklyn Peltz Beckham, Founder of Cloud23
Danya Jimenez and Hannah McMechan, the screenwriting duo behind Netflixs K-Pop Demon Hunters
Michael Symon, Chef, Restaurateur, and Co-Host of Chewed Up
Clinton Kelly, TV Personality, Best-Selling Author, and Co-Host of Chewed Up
Alexis McGill Johnson, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Dhar Mann, Founder of Dhar Mann Studios and one of the world's most influential storytellers
Sean Atkins, CEO of Dhar Mann Studios
Aaron Sisto, Co-Founder and CEO at Chronicle Studios
Carlos Zepeda, SVP, Strategy and Marketing Capability, Mo t Hennessy USA
Taylor Rooks, two-time Emmy Award-Nominated Journalist and Host of NBA on Prime
Aurora James, Founder of Brother Vellies and the Fifteen Percent Pledge
Yancey Strickler, Co-Founder of Kickstarter, Metalabel, and Dark Forest OS
Gus Wenner, former Rolling Stone CEO and Executive Chairman of Public Opinion
Jack Coyne, CEO & Co-Founder of Public Opinion and host of Track Star
Christina Miller, CEO of Spin Master
Phil Cook, CMO of the WNBA
Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty
Rachel Epstein, VP of Sports Marketing at ESPN
Marc Gilbar, President of Brands, IP & Partnerships at Imagine Entertainment
Michelle Khare, Creator and Host of Challenge Accepted
Kathi Chandler-Payatt, Head of Content Acquisition for LG Channels
Nicholas Panagopulos, President & Executive Producer, Simple Alien Inc.
Tribeca X is a unique gathering that could only happen here, under the Tribeca umbrella and in the heart of New York City, said Rebecca Glashow, CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. Tribeca has always lived at the intersection of storytelling, culture, and creativity, and Tribeca X brings that spirit into the world of brand storytelling. We're excited to bring together these extraordinary artists, creators, and innovators downtown in the global home of both advertising and independent film, creating a powerful space to help push the industry forward.
The 2026 Tribeca X Awards Jury includes Daniel Cherry III (Global CMO, Vans), Juliana Cobb (Chief Creative Officer, 72andSunny New York), and Lena Waithe (Emmy-Winning Writer, Producer, and Founder of Hillman Grad). The audio jurors include: Giancarlo Bizzarro (Vice President of Sales, Crooked Media), Carrie Brody (VP, Business Development at Higher Ground), and Stuart Sevier (President & Co-Founder at The Independent Media Initiative).
Tribeca X recently announced the formation of the inaugural Tribeca X Advisory Council, a new collective of industry leaders from entertainment, marketing, and business who will help shape the future of Tribeca X. Members include: Craig Brommers (CMO, American Eagle), Rebecca Covington (Senior Director of Creative Production, DICKS Sporting Goods), Jo Cronk (Co-CEO, Whalar), David Fortune (Filmmaker), Nicolas Heller (New York Nico), Julian Jacobs (Head of UTA New York & Co-Head of Entertainment Marketing, UTA), Lara Krug (CMO, Kansas City Chiefs), Suzanne Lindbergh (Global Head of Social Media and Influencer, Intuit), Haider Rafique (Global Managing Partner and Chief Marketing Officer, OKX), God-is Rivera (Chief Strategy Officer, Burrell Communications), Matthew Scheckner (Founder, Windsor Park Entertainment), and Ariana Stolarz (Global Chief Strategy Officer, Accenture Song).
Below is a preview of conversations and programming planned for the 2026 Tribeca X event:
Christina Miller, CEO of Spin Master, on building brand universes through cross-platform storytelling-from PAW Patrols theatrical success to Spin Masters original film development and approach to creating ecosystems that extend beyond screens.
Elizabeth Rutledge, CMO of American Express, explores how the brand is evolving into a cultural access platform, redefining what premium means to younger generations through sports, music, and live experiences.
Ted Danson, Emmy Award-winning actor and host of SiriusXMs Where Everybody Knows Your Name, on the intersection of storytelling, conversation, and connection-exploring how the podcast
