FAQs

What is the California Hall of Fame?

The California Hall of Fame celebrates the Golden State’s legends and trailblazers whose achievements have made history and changed the state, the nation and the world. Launched in 2006 with former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver, the program serves as the California Museum’s annual gala and the premise of on-site and online exhibitions designed to inspire visitors to make a mark on history. 

Inductees are selected annually by the Governor and First Lady or First Partner for achievements in the Arts, Business & Labor, Entertainment, Food and Wine, Literature, Music, Public Service, Science and Sports. Criteria for induction require candidates to live in California for five years and to have made achievements benefiting the state, nation and world while inspiring others to pursue their dreams. To date, 166 Californians have been selected by three California gubernatorial administrations from 2006 to 2024.

What are the criteria for induction?

Induction into the California Hall of Fame requires candidates to meet the following criteria:

• Have lived in California for five years;
• Have transcended the boundaries of their field to make lasting contributions to the state, nation and world; 
• Achieved accomplishments that inspire people to pursue their own dreams.

Who selects inductees?

Inductees are selected annually by the Governor and First Lady or First Partner of California. 

What are the nine fields or categories of achievement? 

Inductees are selected for achievements in nine categories: Arts, Business and Labor, Entertainment, Food and Wine, Literature, Music, Public Service, Science and Sports.

Who attends the induction ceremony?

Induction ceremony attendees include current and past inductees, relatives of posthumous inductees, statewide elected officials and event sponsors.

What award is given to inductees?

During the induction ceremony, honorees are presented with the “Spirit of California” medal designed by the late artist Robert Graham, who was inducted into the third class in 2008. 

Can I submit a nomination?

To give the public a voice in the process, nominations are accepted online. Suitable candidates are added to an ongoing master list used by the Governor and First Lady or First Partner to make their selections.

When will the next class be inducted? 

The next class of the California Hall of Fame has not yet been announced. To be the first to hear about California Hall of Fame news, follow the Museum’s Instagram and Facebook pages.