The Writers Guild of America West (WGAW) has tapped stand-up comedian, writer, and actress Atsuko Okatsuka to host the 2026 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles, set to take place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.
The annual celebration honoring outstanding writing across film, television, and new media will be livestreamed beginning at 2:00 p.m. PT on the WGAW’s official YouTube channel (@writersguildwest) and at awards.wga.org, allowing fans and industry insiders alike to tune in from anywhere.
“I’m honored to host the WGA Awards!” Okatsuka shared. “Writers shape everything we watch, quote, and pretend we thought of ourselves. Now that’s power. They deserve the world! And at the very least, me hosting the award show.”
Known for her singular comedic voice, boundless energy, and magnetic stage presence, Okatsuka has quickly become one of the most exciting performers working today. She is currently on The Big Bowl tour, performing across major U.S. cities, and continues to earn acclaim for her fearless, deeply personal comedy.
Her breakout stand-up special The Intruder was named Best Debut of 2022 by The New York Times, while her sophomore special Father recently premiered on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ internationally. The special has emerged as one of the most buzzed-about releases under Hulu’s Hularious banner, further cementing Okatsuka’s status as a standout voice in comedy.
WGAW President Michele Mulroney praised the choice, noting the significance of the event for the writing community. “The Writers Guild Awards are an opportunity for writers to step back from their day-to-day work and celebrate each other’s achievements,” Mulroney said. “We’re thrilled to have an incredible performer like Atsuko hosting this wonderful event.”
The 2026 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles will once again be led by a seasoned production team. Benn Fleishman and Augie Max Vargas return as Executive Producers, bringing extensive experience from some of the industry’s most prestigious award shows. Fleishman, a seven-time Emmy nominee, has worked on the Academy Awards, SAG Awards, and the past two WGA Los Angeles ceremonies. Vargas, an Emmy Award winner, has credits spanning the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards, Film Independent Spirit Awards, and the 2025 WGA Los Angeles show.
Also returning is Talent Producer Deborah Byrd, whose more than two decades of experience includes work on the BET Awards, ESPYs, Tonys, and last year’s Writers Guild Awards.
With Okatsuka at the helm and a proven creative team behind the scenes, the 2026 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles promises to be a lively, meaningful celebration of the writers who shape the stories that define our culture.
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