Mumbai: Filmmaker and television personality Karan Johar is set to make history by becoming the first Indian to host the prestigious Earthshot Prize Awards.
Founded by HRH Prince William, the Earthshot Prize recognises and supports pioneering solutions focused on protecting and restoring the environment.
As the event comes to Mumbai, it builds on India’s existing connection with the Prize, with Indian innovations having earned recognition as Winners and Finalists in previous editions.
Speaking about the announcement, KJo shared, “To be the first Indian to host The Earthshot Prize Awards Night is a moment of immense pride for me, and to do so in Mumbai makes it all the more meaningful. In cinema, we imagine new worlds. The innovators celebrated by Earthshot are showing us how to build a better one. That is what makes HRH Prince William’s vision so compelling: it gives us not just reasons to hope, but ideas we can act on. India has the creativity and ambition to be an important part of that future. I’m honoured to welcome the world to Mumbai and help give these remarkable people the recognition they deserve.”
With experience spanning films, television and streaming, Karan Johar brings a diverse hosting background to the Earthshot Prize.
He has also hosted popular shows such as Koffee with Karan and the Indian version of The Traitors, alongside his work as a filmmaker and producer.
Speaking about the announcement, Prince William, Founder and President of The Earthshot Prize, said, “Every year, our Finalists give me renewed optimism. They show us that, even as the environmental challenges remain urgent, extraordinary people around the world are already proving that progress is possible. Seeing solutions work gives us all confidence to act. When they succeed, they inspire others and accelerate change. I’m proud to welcome these 15 Finalists to the Earthshot Prize community and look forward to celebrating their stories in Mumbai this November.”
Bringing together leaders and changemakers from across the world, the Earthshot Prize Summit will focus on creating partnerships and unlocking support for innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
The programme will conclude with the sixth Earthshot Prize Awards Night on November 17, 2026.