AMERIGO: THE SEARCH FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM WINS FIVE HONORS AT THE ACCOLADE GLOBAL FILM COMPETITION

Award-Winning Documentary Returns to PBS Stations Nationwide
Ahead of 2026 Elections
Accompanied by New Civics Education Guide for Students, Teachers, Families 

NEW YORK, Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream, the documentary that traveled across America asking people what the American Dream means today, has received five honors in the August 2026 season of the Accolade Global Film Competition.

The film received the Award of Excellence Special Mention for Documentary Feature, one of the competition's top honors, as well as Awards for Direction (Adam Mason) and Editing (Paul Crowder), and Award of Merit Special Mention for Cinematography and Award of Merit Special Mention for Narration/Voice-Over recognizing David McCourt's narration of the documentary.

The recognition comes as AMERIGO prepares to return to PBS audiences across the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Since its premiere, AMERIGO has aired in over 90% of households across the country. It's second national broadcast is also expected to air in the majority of American households before the midterm elections.

"This recognition means a great deal to all of us who made AMERIGO," said McCourt. "But the film was never really about us. It was about the people we met across America who opened their homes, their workplaces, and their lives to us. These awards belong, in a very real sense, to them."

Accompanying the broadcasts will be a new AMERIGO Civics Guide, created to help teachers, students and families explore and discuss some of the critical issues facing their communities this election year.

Over two years, McCourt and the AMERIGO team traveled across the United States listening to Americans from different regions and backgrounds, capturing the real-life pressures shaping people's lives – from the cost of housing, healthcare, and education; wages and economic opportunity; the strength of local communities; trust in institutions; and whether the next generation will have the same opportunities as the generation before it.

McCourt added: "As the country approaches another important election, I hope AMERIGO can do something increasingly rare – give people with different experiences and different points of views a reason to sit in the same room, listen to one another and talk about the country we want to leave to the next generation. The big issues we explore did not begin in Washington; they are issues consistent in so many communities all across America and this film is about giving a voice to everyday citizens. AMERIGO does not tell viewers what to think, whom to blame, or how to vote. The film and the accompanying civics initiative invite people to listen, question, discuss, and decide for themselves."

To view the trailer and join the national dialogue, visit AD250.com. 

PRESS CONTACTS:
Robin Insley, Robin Insley Associates
[email protected]/917-689-2985

Tom Webb, Element Communications
[email protected]

ABOUT AMERIGO
AMERIGO: The Search for the American Dream is directed by Adam Mason and co-produced by David and Julie McCourt of McCourt Entertainment. Presented and distributed nationally by American Public Television (APT) as part of its tentpole programming commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, AMERIGO premiered on public television stations beginning June 1, 2026, and on PBS Passport. The film explores the past, present, and future of the American Dream through conversations with people from across the United States, reflecting on work, opportunity, technology, and community.

ABOUT McCOURT ENTERTAINMENT
McCourt Entertainment, led by Emmy Award–winning producer and entrepreneur David McCourt, is a global media company developing innovative, socially resonant storytelling across film, television, and digital platforms. Its credits include the acclaimed children's programming Reading Rainbow (26 Emmys); Miracle Boys miniseries directed by Spike Lee; and the UN Works documentary series What's Going On? which included "Child Soldiers in Sierra Leone", hosted by Michael Douglas, and "Child Refugees in Tanzania" featuring Angelina Jolie. In addition to AMERIGO, a documentary on the legendary musicians Crosby, Stills & Nash is scheduled for release at the end of 2026.

ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC TELEVISION
American Public Television (APT) is the leading syndicator of high-quality, top-rated programming to the nation's public television stations. Founded in 1961, APT distributes 250 new program titles per year and more than one-third of the top 100 highest-rated public television titles in the U.S. APT's diverse catalog includes prominent documentaries, performance, dramas, how-to programs, classic movies, children's series, and news and current affairs programs. APT also licenses programs internationally through its APT Worldwide service and distributes Create® TV and WORLD™, public television's premier news, science, and documentary channel. For more information, visit APTonline.org.

ABOUT SOUTH FLORIDA PBS
South Florida PBS is Florida's largest public media company including Public Broadcasting stations WXEL-TV, serving the Palm Beaches and the Treasure Coast and WPBT2, serving Miami-Dade and Broward counties, and the Health Channel, the only 24/7 channel dedicated to health in the nation. South Florida PBS connects organizations and institutions across our region and preserves South Florida's history. Leading the way in the global society, South Florida PBS is committed to creating and presenting award-winning programs focused on kids, education, arts and culture, health, environment, science, and civic engagement.

SOURCE McCourt Entertainment