From Muppet Wiki

The Jim Henson Company established The Jim Henson Honors in 2005 as an annual program that acknowledges organizations, individuals or products that reflect the core values and philosophy of Jim Henson and the company he founded in 1955.

Honorees are chosen by the artists and staff at The Jim Henson Company, who are asked to nominate recipients who inspire them in their everyday work, maintain similar core values as the company, and of course, reflect Jim Henson's commitment to excellence in creativity and innovation. The annual list of recepiants are announced in December.

It is with great respect that we recognize these honorees for their commitment to excellence and their unique creative expression.

-- Brian Henson, 2005 ^[1]

The diversity and accomplishment of the recipients exemplifies what we believe; that there can be inspiration and fun in everything around us. In our books and music, but also in our cars, communities and our environment. My father saw the joy that comes from embracing all kinds of creativity and we are thrilled to continue that legacy.

--Lisa Henson, 2005 ^[2]

Honorees

The 2005 Jim Henson Honorees

• The Jim Henson Celebration Honor - JK Rowling, author
• The Jim Henson Creativity Honor - The Gorillaz, virtual band
• The Jim Henson Community Honor - Bill Haber, community service
• The Jim Henson Technology Honor - The Prius, gas-electric hybrid automobile

The 2006 Jim Henson Honorees

• The Jim Henson Celebration Honor – Al Gore, former Vice President
• The Jim Henson Creativity Honor – Hayao Miyazaki, writer and director of animation
• The Jim Henson Community Honor – Wynton Marsalis, jazz musician
• The Jim Henson Technology Honor – Google Earth, Internet satellite and map

The 2007 Jim Henson Honorees

• The Jim Henson Celebration Honor – Richard Branson, British entrepreneur
• The Jim Henson Creativity Honor – Etsy, online place for all things handmade
• The Jim Henson Community Honor – Neil Gaiman, writer
• The Jim Henson Technology Honor – REAL D 3D, 3D experience provider

The 2008 Jim Henson Honorees

• The Jim Henson Celebration Honor – Shigeru Miyamoto, general manager, Nintendo Entertainment
• The Jim Henson Creativity Honor – The Center for Puppetry Arts Distance Learning Center, A non-profit arts organization
• The Jim Henson Community Honor – Shepard Fairey, artist
• The Jim Henson Technology Honor – Spore, video game

Sources

1. ↑ 2005 Henson Press Release
2. ↑ 2005 Henson Press Release