The mission of the James Beard Awards is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Who is the artist who created the medal? There's a name on the shoulder - it looks like "BADIA". Below is another image of the medals. Luigi Badia "signed both LB and LSB as monogams on medals", according to Dick Johnson's databank. Badia designed the 2004 Carnegie Hero Fund Century of Heroes Medal with an LB monogram. Has he signed other medals with his full last name?. -Editor