The top recipient is chosen as the CNN Hero of the Year and receives an additional US$100,000 to continue their work.

Frontline workers, advocates, scientists, Young Wonders and everyday people were saluted and 8 nonprofit organizations working to tackle these issues were highlighted.

Winner: Kwane Stewart (veterinarian who treats the pets of the homeless for free, helping the pets and the humans who love them dearly) [22] In 2022, the program was honored with the News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Live News Special for its 2021 15th Annual Show.

In 2020, the program's director, Brett Kelly, received the inaugural Outstanding Direction News & Documentary Emmy Award for its 2019 13th Annual Show.

In 2017, the program received a News & Documentary Emmy Award for Outstanding Lighting Direction and Scenic Design its 2016 10th Annual show.