Awards — Carren Jao

Nominated

Best Feature Segment

2023 L.A. Area Emmy Awards

Nominated for a short video celebrating Black joy, community, and healing by telling the story of Bruce Talamon, then an aspiring photographer, whose life forever changed because of Wattstax. He has since then photographed R&B and funk royalty.

Lights beneath the sculptural piece illuminate and define the etchings on the Corten steel disk at night. LAC + USC Medical Center stands behind the artwork in the distance. Photo: Steven Lam / Courtesy of L.A. County Department of Arts and Culture

Winner

Best News Feature, Music/Culture/Performing Arts

2023 SoCal Journalism Awards

Recognized for a long-form arts feature on the work of Phung Huynh at the LAC + USC Medical Center entitled "Beautiful Strength: 'Sobrevivir' Pays Homage to the Women Coerced to Sterilization in 1960s and '70s L.A." The judges praised the "well-written and interesting history lesson" where the "story behind the artist and the installation is skillfully interwoven.”

An image of a linocut portrait made on grocery boxes, created by Narsiso Martinez. It shows a farmworker covered from head to toe.

1st Runner Up

Best Personality Profile

2023 SoCal Journalism Awards

Recognized for a long-form arts feature on Narsiso Martinez entitled "Oaxacan Farmworker Turned Artist Reveals Struggles in the Fields." His mixed media installations juxtapose portraits of farmworkers and agricultural landscapes against cardboard produce boxes. Drawing from his own experience as a farmworker, his work amplifies the people who fill produce sections and restaurant kitchens around the country.

Winner

Outstanding Lifestyle Feature Award

American Society of Journalists and Authors

Recognized for an arts feature entitled "Beautiful Strength: 'Sobrevivir' Pays Homage to the Women Coerced to Sterilization in 1960s and '70s L.A. " The judges "felt this piece was powerful, gut-wrenching, beautiful, and inspirational.”

An image with the words "Rising Stars: Picture Book Mentorship."

Winner

2023 Mentee

Selected as one of 25 mentees out of more than 2,500 applicants for the PB Rising Stars Picture Book program. This program pairs agented picture book creators with the next generation of children’s book authors and illustrators for an immersive, custom mentorship experience that is more than just a critique.

A medal with the words "New Voices Award. Lee & Low Books." One in gold and one in silver.

Winner

Lee & Low New Voices Award

Carren is the New Voices Award winner for her picture book manuscript, "The Shape of Love," which paints a vibrant, evocative portrait of a mother staying connected to her family by sending treats and supplies back to the Philippines through the tradition of balikbayan boxes. Publication forthcoming.

"NO CAGES, NO JAULAS" written in in the sky, contributed by Beatriz Cortez, over the Immigration Court on Olive Street. Photographed by Dee Gonzalez, In Plain Sight

Winner

Best Fine Arts Feature

2022 National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards

Recognized for a feature story on "In Plain Sight," a massive 80-artist collaboration in support of immigrant rights. Written with Mia Nakaji Monnier. Judges commented: "Interesting, articulate, understandable coverage of an impressive, massive collaboration.