Awards season returns.
From the recent Golden Globes and Grammys to the upcoming Oscars, the early months of every new year bring myriad awards shows broadcasting acceptance speeches (and fashion critiques) around the world.
But here in Omaha, an awards show unique from them all will happen on Sunday, Feb. 15, at The Admiral Theater.
It’s the 20th Annual Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards.
The OEAAs is the brainchild of John Heaston, a visionary journalist and community leader who passed away in 2024. Heaston created the OEAAs to honor and celebrate artists and arts organizations in this community who move our culture forward, make the world more fun, perhaps smarter and definitely a better place. Heaston’s twist was that he combined multiple art forms for recognition in one show and get those in theater, music and visual arts to mingle and laugh.
“It’s the best party of the year,” said OEAA Board President Doug Meigs. “It’s a night when artists across diverse disciplines get to celebrate one another and their accomplishments from the prior year. That’s the nonprofit’s mission: to celebrate and recognize local artists.”
For the 20th anniversary, the awards return to The Admiral at 13th and Martha, south of downtown Omaha.
Poet Zedeka Poindexter and musician Aly Peeler host this year. The evening will feature an eclectic array of performances, from The Lofte Community Theatre, comedian Rachel Ware, The Hector Anchondo Band, poet Allen Stevenson with the Ever After Dance Company. The band my friends call me Mel will perform during this year’s “In Memoriam” tribute.
In addition to the many awards handed out by past winners in Music, Performing and Visual Arts, the OEAAs also celebrate those in our community who over their lifetimes have made significant contributions to the arts. This year’s Lifetime honorees are performer Camille Metoyer-Moten, sound engineer Tom Ware and painter Steven Cornelius Roberts. Amy Ryan will receive the John Heaston Cultural Stewardship Award. Ryan is a longtime and admired social activist focused on creating spaces for artists and community-driven change.
The OEAA board is thrilled to partner again with the Roberta and Bob Rogers Gallery to exhibit many of this year’s nominated visual artists. The OEAA Visual Arts Showcase is ongoing at the RBR Gallery at 18th and Vinton through Feb. 21.
“This visual arts showcase is a natural extension of the nonprofit’s mission, and the artists showcase has been a great companion to the awards show for many years,” Meigs said. “It runs a couple weeks before and after, giving everyone a chance to appreciate the visual arts nominees’ work up close.”
At The Admiral, the 20th OEAAs will offer cash bars. Attendees also will be able to buy food from The House of Bah, a specialist in Afro-fusion cuisines.
And for the first time, local arts organizations have donated amazing prizes for a 20th Anniversary OEAA Lottery. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the show, and the lucky winners, who must be present, will be announced at the end of the evening.
Seating is limited. Admission tickets for the 20th Annual OEAAs are selling fast. Purchase tickets via The Admiral on Etix.
Nominees who have not received their discount codes should email the OEAA board at oea.awards@gmail.com. A sold-out show is expected.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a fabulous social and cocktail hour. The 20th Annual OEAA show begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Admiral has one parking lot. Neighborhood street parking is available. Attendees also can park at Burger King across from the theater at 13th and Martha.
For a full list of nominees, read more on the OEAA website.