The $85,000 Secret: 7 Shocking Facts About The Hollywood Walk Of Fame's Class Of 2025 And Beyond

The Hollywood Walk of Fame remains one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, a five-mile stretch of sidewalk that immortalizes the biggest names in entertainment history. As of today, December 14, 2025, the Walk continues its legacy, but the process of receiving a star is far more complex—and expensive—than most fans realize. The recent announcement of the highly-anticipated Class of 2025 has brought fresh excitement, featuring a mix of legendary figures and contemporary icons who will soon join the more than 2,800 stars already embedded in the terrazzo.

The latest inductees, including posthumous honors for a music legend and long-overdue recognition for acting powerhouses, highlight the ongoing evolution of the entertainment industry. From the staggering sponsorship fee required to the six distinct categories of recognition, understanding the modern Walk of Fame reveals a fascinating blend of history, commerce, and cultural significance that defines Hollywood’s enduring appeal. Here are the most current and surprising details about the iconic sidewalk.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2025: Who Is Getting a Star?

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce recently revealed the full list of honorees for the Class of 2025, a diverse group of over 30 individuals and groups selected from hundreds of nominees. The selection process ensures representation across all major entertainment categories, solidifying the careers of these celebrated figures.

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• Motion Pictures: This year features cinematic heavyweights like Oscar winner Jessica Chastain and screen legend Jane Fonda. Other honorees include Courtney B. Vance and Nia Long, whose careers span both film and television.
• Television: The small screen is well-represented by talk show host and comedian Sherri Shepherd, along with actress and producer Fran Drescher.
• Recording: The music category is particularly star-studded, featuring a posthumous star for the iconic musician Prince, as well as the legendary R&B group The Isley Brothers, rapper Busta Rhymes, and rock band Green Day.
• Live Theatre/Performance: Honorees in this category include ballet superstar Misty Copeland, a trailblazer in the world of dance, and veteran actor Glynn Turman.
• Radio: The world of radio will see the induction of influential personalities like Angie Martinez.
• Sports Entertainment: The Walk has recently expanded its scope to include sports figures who have significantly contributed to the entertainment landscape.

The stars selected for the 2025 class will receive their stars in various public ceremonies throughout the coming year. The first of these, for actor Courtney B. Vance, is scheduled to take place very soon, underscoring the immediate relevance of this new class.

The Staggering Cost: Why a Star on the Walk of Fame Isn't a "Gift"

One of the most persistent myths about the Hollywood Walk of Fame is that a star is a purely honorary award bestowed upon a deserving celebrity. The reality is far more transactional, which often surprises and sometimes sparks controversy among the public.

The $85,000 Sponsorship Fee

Unlike a traditional award, a star on the Walk of Fame is not free. As of 2025, the official sponsorship fee is a substantial $85,000. This fee is not paid by the celebrity themselves, but by a nominating sponsor—often a film studio, record label, television network, or a dedicated fan club—who submits the application on the celebrity's behalf.

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The cost covers several essential elements:

• Creation and Installation: The fee pays for the crafting of the star itself, which is made of terrazzo and brass, and the physical labor of embedding it into the sidewalk on Hollywood Boulevard or Vine Street.
• The Ceremony: It funds the public induction ceremony, including security, staging, and publicity, which can be elaborate events.
• Maintenance and Repair: A significant portion of the fee goes into a trust for the long-term maintenance, repair, and preservation of the Walk of Fame, ensuring the landmark remains pristine for future generations.

The requirement for a financial sponsor is why some hugely famous, yet private, stars may not have a star, as they or their representatives have simply never completed the application process or secured the funding. It’s a crucial distinction: a star is a successful nomination and a paid sponsorship, not just a simple honor.

The Six Categories of Recognition: More Than Just Acting

The Walk of Fame is often associated only with movie stars, but its scope is much broader, encompassing six distinct categories designed to honor all facets of the entertainment industry. Each star features a specific emblem identifying the category of the honoree.

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Decoding the Star Emblems

The five-pointed star design is consistent, but the brass emblem beneath the name distinguishes the honoree's field:

1. Motion Pictures (The Classic Camera): For actors, directors, producers, and other major contributors to film.
2. Television (The Television Set): Honors personalities from the small screen, including actors, hosts, and producers.
3. Recording (The Phonograph Record): Recognizes singers, musicians, composers, and record producers. This category includes legends like Prince and The Isley Brothers.
4. Radio (The Microphone): Dedicated to radio personalities, hosts, and broadcasters.
5. Live Theatre/Live Performance (The Comedy/Tragedy Masks): For theater actors, directors, and performers in live venues, including ballet stars like Misty Copeland.
6. Sports Entertainment (The Globe/Ball): A newer category dedicated to sports figures whose careers have a significant entertainment component, such as professional wrestlers or athletes with major media careers.

This multi-category approach ensures that the Walk of Fame provides comprehensive topical authority over the history of American entertainment. It's a living museum that documents the evolution of media, from the earliest days of radio and film to today's multi-platform stars.

Little-Known Facts and Enduring Controversies

Beyond the glitz of the ceremonies, the Walk of Fame holds a few surprising details and has faced its share of public debate.

The "No Removal" Rule

Once a star is installed, it is considered a permanent part of the historic fabric of the Hollywood Walk of Fame and will never be removed, regardless of subsequent controversy or public outcry. There have been numerous calls over the years to remove stars for various reasons, but the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce maintains its hardline stance, arguing that the Walk is a historical record, not a moral judgment.

Unique and Non-Human Honorees

The Walk of Fame is not exclusively for human celebrities. Several unique honorees have been inducted, including the only star dedicated to honoring the Moon Landing and the stars given to two famous canine actors: Lassie and Rin Tin Tin. These non-human stars add a quirky, historical layer to the landmark's rich tapestry.

Longevity is Key

To even be considered for a nomination, an individual must have been active in their field for a minimum of five years, and they must have a history of charitable contributions. The selection committee, which is composed of existing Walk of Famers, emphasizes both professional achievement and community impact.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a complex, commercially-supported monument to cultural achievement. The Class of 2025, from the late Prince to the pioneering Misty Copeland, continues to shape the narrative of this enduring piece of Hollywood history, reminding us that fame, in the City of Stars, comes with a hefty price tag and a permanent place in the sidewalk of history.