Hollywood, CA (December 22, 2006) –The Jim Henson Company has selected the honorees for the 2006 Jim Henson Honors, the annual program established in 2005 that acknowledges organizations, individuals or products that reflect the core values and philosophy of Jim Henson and the company he founded. The four recipients were announced today by Brian Henson and Lisa Henson, co-CEOs of The Jim Henson Company.

The 2006 Jim Henson Honorees:

• The Jim Henson Celebration Honor – Al Gore, Former Vice President
• The Jim Henson Community Honor – Wynton Marsalis, Jazz Musician
• The Jim Henson Creativity Honor – Hayao Miyazaki, Writer and Director of Animation
• The Jim Henson Technology Honor – Google Earth, Internet

Honorees were chosen by the artists and staff at The Jim Henson Company, who were asked to nominate recipients who inspire them in their everyday work, maintain similar core values as the company, and of course, reflect Jim Henson’s commitment to excellence in creativity and innovation.

Brian Henson said, “This year’s honorees represent a bringing together of community – by encouraging us to take action or by giving us the tools to learn about and be inspired by the world and each other. Much of my father’s work focused on celebrating our differences and recognizing that they are what makes the world a truly wonderful place so these recipients are a great tribute to his legacy as well.”

Lisa Henson said, “The Jim Henson Honors embrace the creativity and inspiration all around us. These honorees remind us that in whatever we do there can be beauty and joy that makes the world a better place.” In regards to Al Gore receiving the highest honor she added, “Mr. Gore has shown commitment to a message and has articulated that message in a creative way that has inspired discussion, debate and action. Our employees and artists have been impressed by his call to action as I am sure many others as well.”

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About the 2006 Honors and Recipients:

• The Jim Henson Celebration Honor – Al Gore, Former Vice President The highest honor goes to an individual, organization or product that makes the world a better place by inspiring people to celebrate life. Mr. Gore, through his tireless efforts to educate audiences everywhere about the effects of global warming, has articulated his message in a compelling and powerful way that inspires action.
• The Jim Henson Community Honor – Wynton Marsalis, Jazz Musician The Community Honor acknowledges an individual, organization or product who/which has increased goodwill or made a positive impact in a specific community or around the world. Using jazz music to celebrate New Orleans while honoring its rich heritage, Mr. Marsalis has dedicated himself to raising awareness of and provided hope to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
• The Jim Henson Creativity Honor – Hayao Miyazaki, Writer and Director of Animation The Creativity Honor acknowledges a new creative voice or unique expression of an idea. Mr. Miyazaki’s work possesses an unchallengeable creativity that is full of imagination and irreverence reminiscent of Jim Henson.
• The Jim Henson Technology Honor – Google Earth, Internet Satellite and Map The Technology Honor acknowledges an individual, organization or product who/which demonstrates ground-breaking technology in a creative way. Google Earth has used technology to bring the world a little closer and make the ends of the earth not seem quite so far away. Frankly, it is just the coolest thing out there.