Actor Dennis Quaid is set to receive the Patriot Ally Award at this year’s MV Awards, a military-focused event aimed at highlighting storytelling that reflects the experiences of veterans. The ceremony is scheduled for May 23 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, marking the second annual installment of the event.
Organized by the National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military & Veterans, the MV Awards seek to recognize films and media projects that bring attention to the lives and perspectives of those who have served. This year’s program will place particular emphasis on Vietnam War-related films, bringing together members of the entertainment industry alongside individuals with military backgrounds.
According to organizers, the mission of the MV Awards is to support veterans by reshaping how their stories are told and expanding their representation in entertainment. That effort reflects a broader push within Hollywood to present more authentic portrayals of military service—stories that resonate beyond action and spectacle, and instead highlight the human side of conflict.
The event itself will feature a traditional red carpet and a black-tie gala, along with performances and VIP experiences. Support for the ceremony includes involvement from organizations such as SAG-AFTRA and the American Legion, underscoring a collaboration between the entertainment world and veteran advocacy groups.
The evening will be co-hosted by Maurice P. Kerry, who will also take part in honoring Quaid during the ceremony. Kerry, an Iraq War veteran, is expected to introduce Quaid and highlight his contributions to military-themed storytelling. Leaders from the American Legion are slated to present the award.
Quaid’s career spans decades, with notable roles in films such as “The Parent Trap,” “The Rookie,” and “The Day After Tomorrow.” He has also portrayed military figures on screen, including Admiral William “Bull” Halsey in “Midway” and a Coast Guard admiral in “Yours, Mine and Ours.” His body of work, organizers say, reflects a sustained interest in projects that engage with military themes and the lives of service members.
The decision to honor Quaid with the Patriot Ally Award signals recognition not only of his performances, but also of his broader support for telling stories centered on the veteran experience. In an industry often focused on entertainment value, events like the MV Awards aim to elevate narratives that carry deeper meaning for those who have lived through conflict.
Joe Ramirez, chairman of the organizing academy, praised Kerry’s role in the event and emphasized the significance of bringing together voices that advocate for veterans through media. He noted that having Kerry co-host while honoring Quaid reflects the level of commitment among those working to ensure veterans’ stories are told with care and authenticity.
While the awards ceremony celebrates storytelling, it also serves as a reminder of the realities behind those stories. Films about war and military service can capture heroism and sacrifice, but they also point to the lasting impact of conflict on individuals and communities. By focusing on authenticity, the MV Awards aim to ensure that those experiences are neither overlooked nor simplified.
As the event approaches, organizers are positioning it as both a celebration and a platform—one that recognizes contributions from the entertainment industry while keeping the focus squarely on the voices and experiences of veterans themselves.
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