Three members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association – Janet R. Nepales, Ruben V. Nepales and Barbara Gasser – were recently honored in the 58^th Annual Southern California Journalism Awards, one of the oldest and largest journo competitions in the region.

Presented by the Los Angeles Press Club, the Southern California Journalism Awards this year drew a record-shattering 1,011 entries, including from LA’s major media organizations – Los Angeles Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter and top TV, radio and online outlets.

The awards ceremony, well-attended by nominees, presenters and distinguished guests, was held June 26 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.

Janet R. Nepales won second prize in the personality profile (foreign correspondents) category for her article on Leonardo DiCaprio in her outlet, Manila Bulletin, “Leo on His Parents, Tough Challenges in Doing ‘Revenant.’ ” Janet was also a finalist in the entertainment news/feature (foreign correspondents) field.

Ruben V. Nepales bagged second place in the entertainment news/feature (foreign correspondents) category for his piece, “Woody Allen Hopes to Direct Till He’s 100,” in his publication, Philippine Daily Inquirer. Ruben was also nominated in two other fields, columnist or critic (foreign correspondents) and entertainment feature (online).

Barbara Gasser was cited as a finalist in the personality profile (foreign correspondents) competition for her article, “Blake Lively – Perfectly Happy” in Maxima.

Aside from recognizing excellence in journalism, the Southern California Journalism Awards also presented honorary awards.

The President’s Award for impact on media went to Jarl Mohn, president and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR).

The Washington Post correspondent Jason Rezaian received the Daniel Pearl Award for courage and integrity in journalism.

Pulitzer Prize winning photographer, Nick Ut of the Associated Press, noted for his iconic photo during a napalm bombing in the Vietnam War, earned the Joseph M. Quinn Award for lifetime achievement. The young girl captured in the photo, Kim Phuc, attended the ceremony.

Erin Brockovich, the environmental activist portrayed by Julia Roberts in the 2000 film, was awarded the inaugural Bill Rosendahl Public Service Award for contributions to civic life.