Vincent Paterson: 2026 Honor for a Beloved Dance Master

Dancers’ feet on a wooden floor, illustrating Vincent Paterson’s choreography career

Vincent Paterson is set to receive the Legacy Award at the 2026 World Choreography Awards, according to Variety. The honor puts the spotlight on a career stretching from pop concerts to movie musicals. The ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 8 at Avalon Hollywood.

Vincent Paterson moves from pop to the big screen

Vincent Paterson worked with Michael Jackson and Madonna and choreographed films including “Evita,” “The Birdcage” and “Dancer in the Dark.” His work also reaches Broadway, opera, television and commercials. The Choreographers Guild lists him among its leaders and notes his directing and choreography credits in theater.

Vincent Paterson’s stage credits include directing and choreographing “Cabaret” in Berlin and “Evita” at Vienna’s Ronacher theater, according to the guild. Those productions add another dimension to the screen work recognized by this year’s honor.

Eight categories bring screen dance into focus

The 16th annual ceremony recognizes choreography in film, music videos, three television categories, commercials and two digital content categories.

Aakomon Jones is nominated for “Sinners.” Christopher Scott and a separate team led by Sergio Trujillo have nominations for “Kiss of the Spider Woman.” Mandy Moore and associate Jonathan Redavid are nominated for “The Life of Chuck.”

Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” and Doechii’s “Anxiety” are among the music video nominees. Work featuring Lady Gaga and Tate McRae appears in the television reality/variety category.

The organizer’s eligibility rules cover work that premiered between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2025. The 2026 ceremony therefore honors choreography from the previous calendar year, rather than only work released this fall.

What to expect on awards night

Kevin Stea returns as host. Announced performers include Chucky Klapow, Becca Sweitzer, Marie Poppins, Holden Maples, Erica Klein and Kelly Sweeney.

For more screen entertainment coverage, read our look at Ryan Coogler’s approach to “Sinners” and our report on Mark Hamill’s career.

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