Michael Jackson and Madonna Choreographer Vincent Paterson to Be Honored at World Choreography Awards

Vincent Paterson will be honored with the Legacy Award at the 2026 World Choreography Awards (WCA), celebrating the most innovative choreographers across the globe.

Set for Nov. 8, Paterson will be recognized for his contributions to dance, which include choreographing films such as “Evita,” “The Birdcage,” “Closer,” “Dancer in the Dark,” “Hook,” “The Mighty Quinn” and “Mannequin.” The choreographer, director, dancer and creative director has also worked across music videos, concert tours, television, Broadway, opera and commercials, notably working with Michael Jackson and Madonna.

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Kevin Stea will return to host this year’s awards, which features live performances across the eight categories: Motion Picture, Music Video, Television Reality/Variety Show, Television Award Show/Special, Television Episodic, Commercials, Digital Content and Digital Content Independent.

“This is an extraordinary one-night-only celebration bringing the world’s most exceptional dance talent together on one stage,” said Allen Walls, the WCA founder and producer.

“Dancing With the Stars” judge Derek Hough is among this year’s nominees, which also include the choreographers behind “Sinners” (Aakomon Jones), “Kiss of the Spider Woman” (Christopher Scott, Sergio Trujillo, Brandon Bieber, Morgan Marcel, Chris Hernandez), “The Life of Chuck” (Mandy Moore, Jonathan Redavid) and “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie” (Jamal Sims, Kai Martinez).

Taking place at the Avalon Hollywood, the 16th WCA Awards will feature live performances from Chucky Klapow, Becca Sweitzer, Kevin Stea, Marie Poppins, Holden Maples, Erica Klein and Kelly Sweeney.

See the full list of nominees below.

MOTION PICTURE

Aakomon Jones – “Sinners”

Christopher Scott – “Kiss Of The Spider Woman,” “Gimme Love”

Mandy Moore, Associate Jonathan Redavid – “The Life of Chuck”

Jamal Sims, Associate Kai Martinez – “A Very Jonas Christmas Movie”

Sergio Trujillo, Co-Choreographer Brandon Bieber, Associates Morgan Marcel,

Chris Hernandez – “Kiss Of The Spider Woman”

DIGITAL CONTENT

Robert Roldan – USC

JA Collective – “Robot Club”

Mark Ballas – “I Did It My Way”

Fatima Robinson – “Vogue World: Hollywood”

Christopher Scott – “Wicked: For Good” At Target

TELEVISION AWARD SHOW / SPECIAL

Christopher Scott – “Wicked: One Wonderful Night”

Robbie Blue, Associate Ashley Kole – 67th Grammys, Doechii

Mandy Moore, Associates Robert Roldan, Martha Nichols – 97th Academy Awards

Jamal Sims, Associates Kai Martinez, Will B. Bell – “The Lion King” At The Hollywood Bowl

Robbie Blue, Associates Lucas DeBiasi, Marie Spieldenner – Video Music Awards, Tate McRae

DIGITAL CONTENT INDEPENDENT

Malou Linders – “Adele”

Sergio Ries – “Bittersuite”

Paris Cavanagh – “Purple Lace Bra”

Erica Klein – “Standing on the Horizon”

Ricky Ubeda, Associate Bella Tagle – “It’s Not That Serious”

TELEVISION EPISODIC

Corey Baker – “Wednesday”

Marguerite Derricks – “Étoile”

Brooke Lipton – “Palm Royale”

Lance Guillermo & Danielle Sten – “Will Trent”

Paul Becker & Ryan Maw – “A Week Away”

COMMERCIALS

Noelle Marsh – DSW

Sadie Wilking – GAP, Feels Like Gap

Tanisha Scott – Apple

Dez Soliven x Gab Robert – Redken

Robbie Blue, Associates Lucas DeBiasi, Marie Spieldenner – Gap, Better in Denim

MUSIC VIDEO

Shay Latukolan – Jungle, “Keep Me Satisfied”

Vata, Ingyoo Kim, Silverspoon – Jennie, “Like Jennie”

Lindsey Blaufarb, Craig Hollamon – Scott Hoying, “Pray”

Robbie Blue, Associate Marie Spieldenner – Doechii, “Anxiety”

Mandy Moore, Associate Amanda Balen – Taylor Swift, “The Fate of Ophelia”

TELEVISION REALITY / VARIETY SHOW

Parris Goebel – “Saturday Night Live,” Lady Gaga

Jason Gilkison – “Strictly Come Dancing,” Tango Takeover

Robbie Blue, Associate Bailey Holt – “Saturday Night Live,” Tate McRae

Jason Gilkison & Ashley Banjo – “Strictly Come Dancing,” “Where Is My Husband!”

Derek Hough, Associates Hayley Erbert, Chase Haley Bowden – “Dancing With The Stars,” 20th Birthday Party Night