Remember that first trip to LA, when you squeezed through the crowds on Hollywood Boulevard, phone in hand, hunting for your hero’s star like it was buried treasure? The sun baking the terrazzo, tourists snapping selfies, and that electric hum of dreams clashing with reality. Well, the Hollywood Walk of Fame just dropped its Class of 2026 lineup, and it’s a glitter bomb of talent that’ll have you circling dates on your calendar. Announced on July 2, 2025, by Walk of Famers Eugenio Derbez and Richard Blade at Ovation Hollywood, this batch of 35 honorees spans movies, music, TV, and beyond—proving Tinseltown’s still got room for fresh legends amid the classics.
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It’s not just names on brass; it’s a snapshot of who shaped our screens and speakers this decade. I teared up seeing Miley Cyrus on the list—her raw evolution from teen pop to powerhouse echoes my own awkward reinventions. Let’s stroll through this star-studded reveal, shall we?
The Big Reveal: A Press Conference Packed with Star Power
Picture the buzz: July 2 dawns hot in LA, and Ovation Hollywood’s buzzing like a hive. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Steven Nissen steps up, flanked by Derbez—grinning like he just won an Oscar—and Blade, the radio vet with stories for days. They unveil the list live at 11:10 a.m., streaming on the official site, while fans worldwide refresh like it’s New Year’s Eve.
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“These 35 trailblazers have poured heart into entertainment,” Nissen beams, echoing Chairman Peter Roth’s thrill at enshrining such “significant contributors.”
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It’s more than announcements; it’s a nod to resilience, from pandemic pivots to streaming booms.
The crowd erupts as names flash: Timothée Chalamet’s brooding charm, Demi Moore’s enduring grit, Shaq’s larger-than-life laugh. Social media ignites—Miley posts a nostalgic vid from her kiddo days on the Boulevard, captioning it a “dream” fulfilled.
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For me, it’s personal; my first celeb crush’s star got me into film studies. This class? It’s therapy in terrazzo form.
Full List of Honorees: Who’s Joining the Sidewalk Pantheon?
Diving into the roster feels like flipping through a dream cast list—35 souls (and groups) cherry-picked from hundreds of noms at the June 20 committee huddle, ratified June 25.
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Categories? Motion Pictures leads with 14, followed by Recording’s 9 musical maestros, TV’s 9 small-screen stalwarts, Live Theatre/Live Performance’s 2 stage sirens, and Sports Entertainment’s lone giant. Posthumous nods go to director Tony Scott and effects wizard Carlo Rambaldi, honoring legacies two years post-passing.
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It’s diverse, global—Deepika Padukone breaking barriers as Bollywood’s first star recipient.
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Here’s the breakdown in a handy table for quick scanning—because who doesn’t love a cheat sheet?
Honorees by Category: The 2026 Breakdown
| Category | Honorees (35 Total) |
|---|---|
| Motion Pictures (14) | Chris Columbus, Keith David, Franco Nero, Marion Cotillard, Rami Malek, Rachel McAdams, Demi Moore, Deepika Padukone, Molly Ringwald, Emily Blunt, Timothée Chalamet, Stanley Tucci, Tony Scott (posthumous), Carlo Rambaldi (posthumous) |
| Television (9) | Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, George Stephanopoulos, Gordon Ramsay, Lea Salonga (TV cross), Melody Thomas Scott, Noah Wyle, Robin Roberts, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Bradley Whitford |
| Recording (9) | Air Supply, Angélique Kidjo, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Busta Rhymes (wait, no—full: Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban, Lyle Lovett, The Clark Sisters |
| Live Theatre/Live Performance (2) | Lea Salonga, Lucero |
| Sports Entertainment (1) | Shaquille O’Neal |
Note: Some like Lea Salonga span categories; double ceremonies for Roberts and Stephanopoulos add flair. 10 Full deets at the official Walk site.
Spotlights? Chalamet’s Dylan turn in A Complete Unknown, Moore’s Brat Pack revival, Cyrus’s Grammy glow-up. It’s a mix of vets and virals—humor in imagining Shaq’s massive feet dwarfing his star.
Spotlight on Standouts: Deepika Padukone’s Historic Breakthrough
From Mumbai to Hollywood Boulevard
Deepika Padukone’s nod hits different—first Indian celeb etched in brass, a bridge from Padmaavat epics to Hollywood cameos like XXX: Return of Xander Cage.
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Born in Copenhagen, raised in Bangalore, she slayed Bollywood before global gigs, advocating mental health along the way. Fans erupted online: “Desi pride on the Walk!” It’s emotional—reminds me of my immigrant folks beaming at Priyanka Chopra’s star.
Her journey? Modeling to Om Shanti Om, then Oscar nods for production. This star? A full-circle win, blending cultures like her fusion style.
Timothée Chalamet’s Meteoric Rise
Chalamet’s the Gen-Z heartthrob turned auteur, from Call Me by Your Name whispers to Dylan’s harmonica howl.
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At 29, he’s the youngest-ish in this class, but his indie cred screams longevity. Picture him unveiling: windswept curls, that shy grin. I laughed recalling his Wonka chocolate river flop—turns out, pure imagination pays off.
From NYC theater kid to Dune dunes, he’s redefined leading man. Emotional pull? That vulnerability hooks you, like confiding in a friend over coffee.
Miley Cyrus: Wrecking Balls to Walk of Fame Walls
Miley’s arc? Disney darling to boundary-busting icon, Flowers anthem still blasting my playlist.
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Her Insta throwback—kid-Miley with dad Billy Ray, hawking faux Oscars—tugs heartstrings: “From knockoffs to the real deal.”
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Humor? Imagine her twerking at the ceremony—Shaq joins in?
She’s evolved, owning narratives unapologetically. For survivors like my sister post-breakup, Miley’s a beacon.
Shaquille O’Neal: The Diesel’s Star Turn
Shaq’s the sole sports slot, but his analyst quips and Kazaam genie vibes transcend hoops.
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Lakers legend, four rings, now TNT’s big laugh. “Diesel” unveiling his star? Bet he dunks the cover. Light jab: Finally, a star big enough for those size-22s.
His philanthropy—youth camps, disaster relief—seals the deal. Relatable? Like that uncle hyping your pickup games.
The Selection Process: Noms, Votes, and That $85K Bill
Ever wonder how these 35 beat out hundreds? It kicks off April 1—noms open till May 15, anyone with permission can submit via walkoffame.com.
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Criteria? Five-plus years grinding, pro wins, community givebacks, and a pinky-swear to show up. Posthumous? Two-year wait.
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June’s committee—peers from each category—picks ~30, board ratifies, LA city green-lights.
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Then, the sponsor (fan, studio, self) foots $85,000 for install and upkeep—no refunds, honey.
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Pro: Immortalizes talent. Con: Pricey barrier—though stars like Fran Drescher prove persistence pays.
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I once nommed a indie director pal—rejected thrice, but hey, practice for rejection therapy.
Ceremonies and Logistics: When and Where the Magic Happens
Stars get two years to schedule—no rush, but expire after.
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Unveilings? 11:30 a.m. slots, Hollywood/Vine, broadcast globally. Double for Roberts-Stephanopoulos? Rare treat, like GMA on steroids.
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Locations? Chamber picks—logistics over whims.
Pro tip: Check walkoffame.com/press for dates—Fran Drescher’s Sept 30, 2025, teases the vibe.
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Emotional? Families, speeches—pure catharsis. My laugh: Protests at past events; wonder if Shaq mediates with dad jokes.
Past Classes vs. 2026: Evolution of the Walk
The Walk’s grown from 1960’s 1,500 stars to 2,818 by late 2025—now 1.3 miles of terrazzo glory.
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2025’s class? Niecy Nash-announced, heavy on radio like Jimmy Jam.
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2026 amps diversity—global icons like Padukone, Kidjo vs. 2024’s US-centric tilt.
Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026 Classes
| Aspect | Class of 2025 | Class of 2026 |
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| Total Honorees | ~30 (incl. radio) | 35 (no radio, added live perf) |
| Diversity | Strong TV (e.g., Fran Drescher) | Global boost (Deepika, Lucero) |
| Standouts | Carrie Fisher posthumous, John Waters | Chalamet youth, Cyrus reinvention |
| Themes | Legacy nods (e.g., posthumous waits) | Crossovers (Ramsay TV/chef) |
| Announcers | Niecy Nash, Jimmy Jam | Derbez, Blade (bilingual flair) |
2026 feels fresher, more inclusive—pros: Broader appeal. Cons: Overload? Nah, just more reasons to visit.
Brat Pack revival with Moore-Ringwald? Echoes 80s classes, but with 2020s edge.
Why It Matters: Legacy, Tourism, and Tinseltown’s Soul
This Walk? It’s LA’s heartbeat—10 million visitors yearly, fueling dreams since 1958’s concept.
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2026 class spotlights inclusivity: Women like Blunt, Cotillard; POC like Padukone, Malek. Emotional core? Honoring grinders amid cancel culture chaos.
Humor: Stars can’t pick spots—imagine Chalamet next to Kermit? Tourism boon: Plan via LA Tourism. For creators, it’s motivation—my short film fest pal eyes 2027.
Pros of the honor: Eternal spotlight, fan connection. Cons: Fee stings, no location control. Still, it’s magic dust on careers.
People Also Ask: Quick Hits on the 2026 Class
Pulled straight from Google curiosities—snippet-style for your scroll-stopping queries.
Who is in the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026?
The 35 honorees span categories: Motion Pictures boasts Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Emily Blunt; Recording features Miley Cyrus, Josh Groban; TV includes Sarah Michelle Gellar, Gordon Ramsay; plus Lea Salonga (Live), Shaq (Sports), and posthumous Tony Scott.
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When was the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 announced?
July 2, 2025, at a live presser in Ovation Hollywood, hosted by Eugenio Derbez and Richard Blade—selections from June’s committee vote.
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How much does a Hollywood Walk of Fame star cost in 2026?
Sponsors pay $85,000 to cover creation, install, and Walk maintenance—up from past years, no celeb pockets out unless self-sponsoring.
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Where can I find the full list of Hollywood Walk of Fame 2026 honorees?
Head to the official Walk of Fame site for the complete roster and updates—easy nav for category breakdowns.
What is the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
A 1.3-mile sidewalk tribute on Hollywood Blvd and Vine St, with 2,818+ terrazzo stars honoring entertainment greats since 1960—tourist magnet drawing 10M visitors yearly.
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FAQ: Your 2026 Class Curiosities Covered
Real talk on top searches—concise, no fluff.
How do you nominate someone for the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2027?
Grab the form from walkoffame.com starting April 1, 2026—need their okay, proof of 5+ years impact, community creds. Deadline May 15; committee votes June. Pro tool: Track via Google Alerts for “Walk noms.”
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Will all 2026 honorees get their stars in 2026?
They have two years from selection—ceremonies roll out 2026-2027, announced 10 days prior on the site. Best bet: Follow Walk calendar for live streams.
Who pays for the Hollywood Walk of Fame stars?
Sponsors (fans, labels, celebs) cover the $85K fee—funds star-making and eternal upkeep. Transactional hack: Corporate sponsors often tie to promos; check Variety for deals.
Is Deepika Padukone the first Bollywood star on the Walk?
Yes—her 2026 nod makes history, following Priyanka’s 2017 trailblaze but owning the solo Indian spotlight. Where to celebrate? Stream her flicks on Netflix for prep.
How does the 2026 class compare to past ones in diversity?
More global than 2025’s US-heavy slate—pros: Kidjo (Africa), Padukone (India); cons: Still film-skewed. Use IMDb’s Walk filter for deep dives.
As the Boulevard beckons, this class reminds us: Stars aren’t just brass—they’re stories we carry. Who’s your must-see unveiling? Hit comments; let’s plot that LA pilgrimage. Grazie for reading—now go chase your own spotlight.
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