Michael Doucet: 2026 Humanist of the Year
NEW ORLEANS (press release) – The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities (LEH) and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announced that Michael Doucet, musician and founder of BeauSoleil, is the 2026 Humanist of the Year.
“Michael Doucet has carried listeners around the world right back here to Louisiana, increasing awareness, celebrating our rich heritage and spreading the joy of our culture through his music,” said Miranda Restovic, executive director and president of the LEH.
“Through his own work and by inspiring younger generations of musicians, he has led a revitalization of Louisiana’s important Cajun musical heritage,” said Restovic. “We are honored to be able to say thank you by recognizing him as our 2026 Humanist of the Year.”
In addition to the Humanist of the Year award, the LEH is recognizing eight other Bright Lights Awards recipients, honoring those who have made significant contributions to the understanding of Louisiana’s history and culture in the humanities field.
Other Bright Lights Awards Recipients
- Humanist of the Year: Michael Doucet
- Champion of Culture: Pam Atchison
- Chair’s Award for Institutional Support: The RosaMary and Keller Family Foundations
- Documentary Photographer of the Year: Kevin Rabalais
- Humanities Book of the Year: “American Populist: Huey Long of Louisiana” by Thomas Patterson (published by Louisiana State University Press)
- Humanities Documentary Film of the Year: “What We Can Know About Edmond and Basile” produced and directed by Sascha Just
- Lifetime Contributions to the Humanities: Don Marshall
- Light Up for Literacy: Debra Jo Hailey
For more than 40 years, the Bright Lights Awards have offered a collective opportunity to celebrate honored documentary filmmakers and photographers, literacy and language advocates, historians and authors, culture advocates and more.
“The Bright Lights Awards celebrate those who protect, interpret and elevate Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage. Michael Doucet and all this year’s awardees exemplify that mission,” said Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser.
The awardees will be recognized during the organization’s annual Bright Lights Awards Dinner on Tuesday, March 24, at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. Tickets are available online.
“From Michael Doucet’s worldwide influence on Cajun music to the achievements of each of this year’s honorees, these awardees reflect the depth, diversity and statewide impact of the humanities in Louisiana and the role they play in shaping who we are. They remind us why our cultural heritage is one of our greatest strengths,” said Nungesser.
