Philanthropy is failing to meet the moment—not because it lacks money, but because it lacks courage.” In TIME, Elevate Prize CEO Carolina García Jayaram urges funders to move beyond risk-aversion and invest boldly in the leaders closest to change.

A new report from the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) reveals that several leading AI chatbots failed to block or redirect users attempting to plan violent acts, including school shootings and bombings. In tests where researchers posed as vulnerable teens, many systems provided actionable responses instead of shutting down the conversation—underscoring serious concerns about AI safety, oversight, and the effectiveness of current guardrails.

Women and girls are taking legal action against Elon Musk’s xAI, alleging its Grok tool enabled the creation of nonconsensual sexualized deepfakes—highlighting a growing crisis in AI safety. The lawsuit draws on research from Elevate Prize winner the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), which found the tool generated millions of explicit images, including thousands involving minors.

Premiering at SXSW 2026, The Dads marks Luchina Fisher’s evolution from an Emmy-winning short into a feature documentary backed by Dwyane Wade. The film follows fathers supporting their transgender children amid a shifting and often hostile political landscape, spotlighting community, vulnerability, and resilience. As audiences respond to its emotional urgency, The Dads reflects a broader movement in film—one that Elevate Studios is helping lead—where storytelling becomes a tool to challenge norms, build empathy, and drive cultural change.

SXSW 2026 delivered a standout lineup of films pushing the boundaries of storytelling—from Boots Riley’s surreal, anti-capitalist comedy I Love Boosters to visually striking work from artists like Alex Prager. Among the highlights, Elevate Studios emerges as part of a new wave of creators using film to challenge culture, amplify bold ideas, and redefine what impactful storytelling can look like on a global stage.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Dwyane Wade reflects on producing The Dads, a SXSW documentary following fathers of transgender and gender-expansive children as they navigate love, identity, and a shifting political landscape. Backed in part by Elevate Studios, the project represents a growing movement in storytelling—one that elevates lived experience, challenges cultural norms, and uses film as a catalyst for empathy and social change.

In a TIME op-ed, Elevate Prize winner Bing Chen reframes the idea of recession—arguing that America is facing a deeper “connection recession” marked by declining social bonds, trust, and community. While traditional economic indicators show resilience, Chen points to rising loneliness, fragmentation, and cultural disconnection as forces quietly reshaping society. The piece challenges readers to rethink prosperity—not just as financial growth, but as the strength of human connection that underpins it.

Honored at Sundance, the actress reflects on turning fame into fuel for democracy and real-world change. “Any story that uplifts our humanity is important at this moment,” Washington said.

The Elevate Prize Foundation announces its 2026 winners, awarding over $6M to 10 global changemakers and launching a Times Square campaign to Make Good Famous.

The Elevate Prize Foundation has named its 2026 class of 10 global changemakers working across issues including migrant rights, mental health, affordable housing, environmental conservation, and equitable technology.

Kerry Washington was honored with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at Sundance, celebrating her impact and leadership, and revealed as an executive producer on Elevate Studios’ Nevertheless docuseries.

Kerry Washington was honored with the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award, celebrating her leadership and cultural impact, as Variety highlights her role in elevating purpose-driven storytelling and her involvement with the upcoming season of Nevertheless from Elevate Studios.