BLUE: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue, the first-ever career-spanning documentary on the iconic Louisiana artist behind the world-renowned “Blue Dog,” has been honored with the 2025 Suncoast Regional Emmy Award for Cultural Documentary. The award was presented Saturday, December 6, at the Suncoast Emmy Awards ceremony at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. This distinguished recognition further elevates the film’s celebration of one of Louisiana’s most influential cultural figures, whose artistic legacy has shaped generations.

Hailed by the Wall Street Journal as a “briskly told story and visually absorbing film,” BLUE traces George Rodrigue’s evolution from his early Cajun-rooted paintings to the meteoric rise of the Blue Dog as a global pop icon. The 60-minute film weaves together rare archival material, newly restored interviews, intimate family insights, and commentary from notable admirers including Emeril Lagasse, James Carville, and Drew Brees. The documentary is now streaming on PBS Passport.

“We are profoundly grateful for this Emmy recognition,” said director Sean O’Malley. “George Rodrigue’s artistic legacy is immense, and bringing his story to the screen has been a true privilege. To see his life, his vision, and his impact honored by the Suncoast Emmy community reinforces just how meaningful his work continues to be for Louisiana, for American art, and for audiences everywhere.”

Produced by WLAE New Orleans’ 6th Street Studios in association with O’Malley Productions, BLUE offers an intimate portrait of an artist who overcame early adversity and institutional skepticism to become one of America’s most recognizable and beloved cultural voices. Through never-before-seen visuals and the reflections of those closest to him, the film brings fresh insight into Rodrigue’s life, creative process, and profound influence.

“Seeing BLUE honored with the Suncoast Emmy is incredibly meaningful for our family,” said Jacques Rodrigue, Executive Director of the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts. “The film successfully captures my dad’s spirit, his devotion to Cajun culture, and the evolution of the Blue Dog in a way that feels both intimate and authentic. This recognition affirms what so many people already know—that his work continues to inspire, educate, and connect people across Louisiana and far beyond. I’m grateful that BLUE introduces new audiences to his spirit and reminds longtime admirers why his art continues to matter.”

The Suncoast Emmy honor joins a growing list of accolades earned by BLUE at U.S. and international film festivals, including New Orleans Film Festival, Amsterdam New Cinema Film Festival, and World Film Festival in Cannes. BLUE: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue premiered on PBS stations on May 29, 2025. WLAE in New Orleans is the presenting station for the film, which is distributed by American Public Television.

BLUE: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue was directed by Sean O’Malley and produced by O’Malley and Trisha Johnson Reece. Executive producers are Jim Dotson, Ron Yager and Bruce Smith. It features original music by the Grammy-winning musicians, Lost Bayou Ramblers. Major funding was provided by Don A. Sanders Family Foundation, Haynie Family Foundation, Henry & Pat Shane, Raising Cane’s, Humana, Eric and Jaclyn Dixon, Lipsey’s, Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, among many other generous sponsors.

For more information on BLUE: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue, visit https://wlae.com/rodriguebluedogfilm, Facebook at https://facebook.com/RodrigueBlueDogFilm/ and Instagram at @rodriguebluedogfilm.