Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas continues to celebrate its biggest names in entertainment—and this week, one of magic’s own is taking center stage.
Mat Franco, best known as the first-ever winner of America's Got Talent, is being inducted into the University of Nevada, Las Vegas College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame. The honor comes during the school’s 21st annual gala, held at the luxurious Wynn Las Vegas.
Franco, who has spent the past decade headlining his own show on the Las Vegas Strip, joins a diverse group of honorees spanning entertainment, education, and the arts. His induction marks yet another milestone in a career that helped redefine modern close-up magic for mainstream audiences.
A Big Night for Entertainment Innovation
Also making headlines at the event is Sphere Entertainment, which will receive the inaugural Global Impact Award. The company is behind the groundbreaking Sphere—a $2 billion immersive venue that has transformed the live entertainment landscape since opening in 2023.
CEO James L. Dolan, the visionary behind the project, will accept the award recognizing the Sphere’s massive influence on the future of performance and production.
Honoring a Legacy in the Arts
The evening will also pay tribute to the late filmmaker and longtime UNLV professor Francisco Menéndez, who is being inducted posthumously. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, Menéndez played a major role in shaping the university’s film program and mentoring future creatives.
Additional honorees include producer Cindy Doumani, Broadway in the Hood founder Torrey Russell, jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant, arts advocate Denise Wunderlich, and alumni Wendy Kveck and Iñaki Sandoval.
A Celebration of Creativity
The gala also marks the 25th anniversary of Nevada Conservatory Theatre, adding another layer of celebration to an already packed evening.
Since its founding in 2003, the UNLV College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame has recognized some of the biggest names in entertainment—including legends like Penn & Teller, Liberace, and Wayne Newton.
Final Thoughts
For magicians, Mat Franco’s induction is more than just another award—it’s a reminder that magic continues to evolve and thrive on the biggest stages in the world.
From winning a national TV competition to headlining on the Strip for over a decade, Franco’s journey shows what’s possible when strong magic meets strong presentation.
And now, he officially takes his place among the greats.
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