Dawson's Creek Creator Honoured as Cast Reunites at Cancer Charity Gala
Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson was honoured in Santa Monica for turning a cast reunion into support for a co-star with cancer.
Williamson received the Barbara Berlanti Hero Award at the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala on 3 October 2026. The prize was presented by actor Joshua Jackson and producer Julie Plec, according to Deadline. It recognised his work behind a one-time Dawson's Creek table read to support James Van Der Beek and raise funds for F Cancer.
The gala was held on Saturday night at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. It raises money for F Cancer's early detection, prevention and psychosocial initiatives. Producer Greg Berlanti launched the event eight years ago in honour of his mother, Barbara Berlanti, who died of cancer.
The table read at the centre of the award took place in September 2025. Van Der Beek, who starred in the 1990s teen drama Dawson's Creek, had been due to attend in person, People reported at the time. He withdrew because of illness, then joined the event in a surprise virtual appearance.
Van Der Beek died in February at age 48 after a battle with cancer, according to Reuters. At Saturday's gala, Williamson remembered his battle with the disease, Variety reported.
The night also became a small Dawson's Creek reunion. Berlanti, Jackson, Plec and Williamson all attended. Jackson posed with Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mother in the series, according to Just Jared.
Katherine LaNasa and Jason Collins were also honoured at this year's gala. No fundraising total from the night has been announced.
For fans, this was a full-circle moment. A show that ended more than two decades ago brought its creator, its stars and its audience back together for one of its own.
