Honors/Recognitions

Patricia Nazario, M.S.

Award-Winning Filmmaker | Journalist | Producer
  • Emmy Award, associate producer
  • Golden Mike Honors (5)
  • L.A. Press Club Honors (4)
  • U.S. Congressional Recognitions (3)

Columbia Journalism School graduate with expertise in reporting, producing, directing and editing across broadcast news, live events and documentary film. She led every phase of the award-winning feature documentary, from concept and production through post-production, the festival circuit and educational distribution with New Day Films:

Backstreet to the American Dream (18 awards and commendations)

2025

Certificate of Special Recognition – U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (Dist. 43, California)
Backstreet to the American Dream and Cinema. Cultura. Comunidad.

  • “For creating Cinema. Cultura. Comunidad., a film and cultural festival in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month… and whose work humanizes the perception of immigrants…”

Certificate of Recognition – Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass
Backstreet to the American Dream

  • “I extend appreciation for her dedication to telling the stories of the workers and families that demonstrate the strength, resilience, and entrepreneurship that continue to shape the City of Angels.”

2024

Special Commendation – L.A. County Supervisor and former U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis (Dist. 1)
Backstreet to the American Dream

  • “We recognize the film’s accomplishment of delving into how street food fosters inclusion, while exploring the deep connection between food, culture, and community.”

Special Commendation – L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (Dist. 3)
Backstreet to the American Dream

  • “We applaud Patricia for the illustrious response she has received for this film…”

Special Commendation – L.A. City Councilmember Mónica Rodriguez (Dist. 7)
Backstreet to the American Dream

  • “Thank you for documenting the hard work and sacrifices of immigrants as they chase the American Dream.”

2022

Garifuna International Indigenous Film Festival – Intangible Heritage Documentary
Backstreet to the American Dream

Culver City Film Festival – Best Director, Documentary Feature
Backstreet to the American Dream

Highland Park Independent Film Festival – Humanitarian Award
Backstreet to the American Dream

Highland Park Independent Film Festival – Best Feature Documentary
Backstreet to the American Dream

San Antonio Film Festival – Audience Award: Best Feature Documentary
Backstreet to the American Dream

San Antonio Film Festival – Best Food Film
Backstreet to the American Dream

2021

Ruben Salazar National Journalism Award – Digital (Finalist)
Backstreet to the American Dream

Workers Unite Film Festival (New York City) – Special Jury Award
Backstreet to the American Dream

Riverside Film Festival – Audience Award: Best Animated Short (animated sequence)
Backstreet to the American Dream

Independent Shorts Awards – Bronze Award: Best Animated Short (animated sequence)
Backstreet to the American Dream

2012

Congressional Certificate of Recognition
U.S. Rep. Loretta Sánchez, California’s 47th Congressional Dist.

Congressional Certificate of Recognition
U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez, California’s 39th Congressional Dist.

Leaders Blazing Trails Award – La Asociación Latina de Asistencia & Partners

  • All three 2012 honors recognized Patricia’s vision for Backstreet to the American Dream as a work in progress.

2010

Los Angeles Press Club Award – 2nd Place, Investigative Reporting
“Dental Clinic” 📖 Read
KPCC 89.3 FM

2009

Golden Mike Award (RTNA) – Best Radio Serious Feature
“Remote Clinic” 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

Golden Mike Award (RTNA) – Best Radio News Reporting
“Remote Clinic” 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

Los Angeles Press Club Award – Best Radio Series
“Her Three Sons” (three-part series) 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

Los Angeles Press Club Award – Best Investigative (Contributing Reporter)
“Ashes of Oakridge”
KPCC 89.3 FM

Los Angeles Press Club Award – Reporter of the Year (Finalist)
KPCC 89.3 FM

Association of Health Care Journalists (AHCJ) – Best Radio Story (Finalist)
“Her Three Sons” (three-part series) 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

Council on Contemporary Families Media Award – Outstanding Coverage of Family Issues
“Her Three Sons” (three-part series) 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

2008

Golden Mike Award (RTNA) – Best News Special (Contributing Reporter)
“No Direction Home: Homelessness in Southern California”
KPCC 89.3 FM

Golden Mike Award (RTNA) – Journalist of the Year (Honorable Mention)
KPCC 89.3 FM

2007

Southern California Public Radio’s Annual Report – Featured Reporter
KPCC’s annual publication highlighting accomplishments, goals, financial statements and community support. 📖 Read

Ñ Award, National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) – Best Radio Reporting
“Immigration Backlash” 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

Golden Mike Award (RTNA) – Best Radio Serious Feature Reporting
“Immigration Backlash” 🎧 Listen
KPCC 89.3 FM

2006

Florida Associated Press Award – Best Public Affairs
“The Mariel Migration: 25 Years Later”
WLRN 91.3 FM

2001

Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Award – Region 1
“East Harlem Mural” (9/11 tribute)
WFUV 90.7 FM

1995

Emmy Award – Best Feature (Associate Producer)
KTTV: A 45-Year Legacy, half-hour special
KTTV Fox 11