Karan Johar to Become First Indian Host of Earthshot Prize Awards Night in Mumbai

Filmmaker Karan Johar will host The Earthshot Prize Awards Night in Mumbai, becoming the first Indian to take on the role. The ceremony, now in its sixth year, is scheduled for 17 November 2026.

Johar recently met Prince William, who founded the environmental prize. The award recognises solutions aimed at protecting and restoring the planet, and its move to Mumbai follows earlier recognition of Indian innovations among the prize's winners and finalists.

In a statement, Johar said hosting the event was a matter of immense pride, adding that doing so in Mumbai made it more meaningful. He drew a parallel between cinema's ability to imagine new worlds and the work of the innovators being celebrated, describing Prince William's vision as compelling because it offers not just hope but actionable ideas. He also said India has the creativity and ambition to be part of that future.

Prince William said the finalists renew his optimism each year, demonstrating that progress is possible even as environmental challenges remain urgent. He added that seeing solutions work gives people confidence to act and that success inspires others and accelerates change. He welcomed the 15 finalists to the Earthshot Prize community and said he looked forward to celebrating their stories in Mumbai in November.

The programme will span two days, with the Earthshot Prize Summit bringing together global leaders, innovators, funders, businesses and communities to build connections and unlock support for environmental solutions. The awards night will celebrate the 15 finalists and reveal the five 2026 winners, each of whom will receive £1 million to help scale their solution and expand its impact.