The Chita Rivera Awards will honor Ann-Margret with its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award. The Emmy Award winner and two-time Academy Award nominee is being recognized for her six-decade career and her lifelong commitment to dance on both the big screen and stages worldwide. Produced by Joe Lanteri, founder and executive director of the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, in conjunction with Patricia Watt, the Chita Rivera Awards ceremony is scheduled for May 18 at the NYU Skirball Center.
Most known to theater insiders for originating the role of Kim McAfee in the 1963 film version of “Bye Bye Birdie,” Ann-Margret’s career has bridged the gap between Hollywood and the stage. Her theatrical credits include a national tour as Miss Mona Stangley in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” On screen, her musical theater contributions include an Academy Award-nominated performance as Nora Walker in the film version of “Tommy” as well as turns as Emily in “State Fair” and Medda Larkson in “Newsies.” Additionally, her dramatic work includes an Emmy-nominated portrayal of Blanche DuBois in the television adaptation of “A Streetcar Named Desire.” She won an Emmy for a guest performance on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
“Ann-Margret is a singular icon whose electrifying presence has defined ‘triple threat’ for stage, film and television,” said Lanteri in a statement. “She has inspired generations of dancers to perform with the same passion and vivacious spirit that has defined her remarkable six-decade career. We are excited to celebrate her at this year’s Awards and know our audience is in for a treat.”
The timeline for the 2025-2026 season as considered by the Chita Rivera Awards has also been established, with April 26 serving as the cut-off date for nominators to view eligible shows. The official nominations will be announced on April 30, followed by a meet-the-nominees press event on May 4. The awards utilize separate nominating committees for the Broadway and film categories, while the Off-Broadway honors will remain non-competitive and be selected by an awarding committee.
The annual ceremony serves as a benefit for the NYC Dance Alliance Foundation College Scholarship Program. According to a representative, since its inception, the foundation has awarded over $5.4 million to more than 600 dancers to support their education at 50 different college dance programs across the country.
Further details about the 2026 Chita Rivera Awards, including recipients of the Outstanding Contribution to the Arts and Humanities awards, will be announced.
