The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has named actor Rex Linn as emcee for the 65th Annual Western Heritage Awards, taking place Saturday, April 11. Linn, a Texas-born, Oklahoma-raised actor with roles in over 50 films and 45 TV shows, is known for his passion for Western culture.
“Rex has a special connection to Oklahoma, the Museum, and the West,” said Museum Chief Marketing Officer Seth Spillman.
The awards honor individuals shaping Western heritage in literature, music, television, and film. This year’s highlights include:
- Hall of Great Western Performers Inductees: Ed Harris and the late Kenny Rogers
- Special Directors’ Award: Posthumous honor to Toby Keith
- Hall of Great Westerners Inductees: Art Nicholas and Luster Bayless
- Chester A. Reynolds Award: Richard Oliver
- Western Visionary Award: Rex Tillerson
Presenters include Barry Corbin, Bruce Boxleitner, Patrick Wayne, Red Steagall, and Mo Brings Plenty.
Weekend Events
- Kickoff Party: Friday, April 10, 5:30–8 p.m., $70 members/$85 general, with cocktails and live entertainment
- Western Heritage Awards Ceremony & Dinner: Saturday, April 11, 5–9 p.m., $250 general admission
- Workshops & Q&A: Cowboy poetry workshop with Anna Citrino and Nancy Bo Flood (Friday, 11 a.m.), Q&A with Ed Harris moderated by Rex Linn (Saturday, 11:30 a.m.)
All events included with museum admission unless otherwise noted.
Creative Achievement Winners
Film & Television:
- Western Lifestyle Program: Break-a-Wave: A Cal Poly Rodeo Documentary
- Theatrical Motion Picture: Broke
- Documentary: The Return of the Sacred Red Rock
- Fictional Drama: T’áá Áłts’íísígo (Just A Small Piece), Dark Winds
- Docudrama: Elkhorn: A Fine Welcome
For tickets and details, visit nationalcowboymuseum.org/western-heritage-awards.