The Six Pillars Of Stardom: A Deep Dive Into The Hollywood Walk Of Fame Categories (Updated 2025)

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, an iconic global landmark, is far more than just a stretch of sidewalk; it is a meticulously curated monument to the titans of the entertainment world, each star representing a celebrated career that has shaped global culture. As of the current date, December 18, 2025, the criteria for earning a place among the legends have evolved, moving beyond the original five categories to embrace a broader definition of modern stardom. This evolution ensures the Walk remains a relevant and dynamic cultural symbol, honoring both the foundational artists of the 20th century and the multi-platform stars of today. The stars, a dazzling mix of terrazzo-and-brass, are permanently embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, serving as a permanent, public museum. With over 2,700 stars, the Walk is a testament to the enduring power of performance and media. Understanding the specific categories is key to appreciating the legacy of each honoree, from the silent film era pioneers to the latest digital media moguls.

The Official Six Categories of the Hollywood Walk of Fame

For decades, the Walk of Fame operated with five core categories, established to honor the distinct branches of the classic entertainment industry. However, recent changes—driven by the evolving media landscape—have officially added a sixth, reflecting the growing influence of athletic and competitive personalities on mainstream culture. Each star features a bronze emblem specific to its category, making the recognition instantly identifiable to millions of annual visitors.

1. Motion Pictures (The Classic Film Camera)

This category is the largest and perhaps the most recognized, symbolized by a classic film camera. It honors actors, directors, producers, writers, and other key figures whose primary contributions are in the world of cinema. The Motion Pictures category accounts for nearly half of all stars on the Walk of Fame, a powerful reminder of Hollywood’s foundation as the global center of filmmaking. From legendary figures of the Golden Age to contemporary blockbuster stars, this category represents the pinnacle of on-screen achievement. LSI keywords like cinematic excellence, film directors, and screen actors are deeply rooted here.

2. Television (The Classic TV Set)

Marked by an image of a vintage television set, this category recognizes excellence in broadcast television. As television evolved from a niche medium into a dominant cultural force, so too did the importance of this star category. Honorees include actors, hosts, news anchors, show creators, and executives who have made significant, long-lasting contributions to the small screen. The criteria for longevity and professional achievement are particularly stringent here, given the competitive nature of the medium.

3. Recording (The Phonograph Record)

The Recording category, symbolized by a phonograph record, honors artists who have excelled in the music industry. This includes singers, musicians, composers, songwriters, and record producers. The history of this category tracks the evolution of music technology, from jazz and big band to rock and roll, hip-hop, and pop. A star here signifies profound impact on the auditory landscape of global entertainment. The sheer volume of honorees in this section makes it a major draw for music fans on Hollywood Boulevard.

4. Radio (The Microphone)

Symbolized by a classic microphone, the Radio category honors figures who have made a lasting impact on broadcast radio. While sometimes overshadowed by the visual media categories, radio remains a vital part of the entertainment industry. Honorees include beloved radio hosts, comedians who got their start on the airwaves, and pioneers in radio programming. This category pays tribute to the original form of mass electronic entertainment and the importance of the spoken word.

5. Live Theatre/Live Performance (The Comedy/Tragedy Masks)

Represented by the iconic comedy and tragedy masks, this category celebrates excellence in live stage performance. This includes Broadway actors, opera singers, magicians, and theatrical producers. It is a nod to the ancient roots of performance and the unique artistry required to captivate a live audience. This star is often seen as a tribute to the raw, unedited talent of the stage. The criteria often emphasize a career dedicated to the art of live performance.

The Newest Star: Sports Entertainment (Added 2023)

The most significant and recent update to the Walk of Fame’s structure is the official addition of the Sports Entertainment category. This change, which cemented the category's status in 2023, acknowledges that the line between professional sports and performance-based entertainment has become increasingly blurred. This new category, which is sometimes simply referred to as 'Sports,' recognizes athletes, coaches, and personalities whose careers have extended beyond the field of competition into the realm of mainstream entertainment and cultural impact. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Walk of Fame Selection Committee recognized that figures in wrestling, tennis, and other high-profile sports often become global media icons, deserving of a star alongside traditional entertainers. The first star dedicated in this new category was awarded to NFL legend and television host Michael Strahan, whose career spans both the gridiron and broadcast media. Furthermore, tennis icon Billie Jean King was honored as the first woman to receive a star in the Sports Entertainment category, underscoring the category's focus on individuals whose influence transcends their sport. This expansion is a key sign that the Walk of Fame is actively modernizing its definition of a 'Hollywood' star.

The Rigorous Path to a Star: Nomination and Sponsorship

Earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a complex, multi-stage process that is far from automatic. It requires a formal nomination, a rigorous selection process, and a substantial financial commitment, which is why the honor remains highly coveted and exclusive.

Who is Eligible?

The fundamental requirements for nomination, which must be submitted to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, are strict:

• Professional Achievement: The nominee must have demonstrated critical and/or popular success in their nominated category.
• Longevity: They must have been active in their field of entertainment for a minimum of five years.
• Contributions to the Community: A demonstration of contributions to the community is also a key criterion.

A crucial point of historical note is the legendary Gene Autry, who remains the only individual to have received a star in all five of the original categories (Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, Recording, and Live Theatre/Performance), a feat of unparalleled versatility.

The Nomination and Selection Process

The annual nomination window typically opens in the spring (e.g., April 15 to May 31 for the Class of 2025). Anyone, including fans, can nominate a celebrity, but the application must be approved by the celebrity or their management. The applications are then reviewed by the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, which is composed of current and former professionals from each of the six fields. This committee selects approximately 30-35 honorees each year, whose names are then ratified by the Board of Directors of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

The Sponsorship Fee

Contrary to popular belief, the star itself is not free. Once selected, the honoree or their nominating party must agree to pay a substantial sponsorship fee. As of the most recent updates, this fee stands at $85,000. This staggering amount is not a profit-making venture; it is an essential operational cost. The funds are used to cover the creation and installation of the custom-made terrazzo-and-brass star, the costs of the elaborate public induction ceremony, and, crucially, the long-term maintenance and repair of the star and the surrounding section of the Walk of Fame. This financial commitment ensures the preservation of this historical monument for future generations of visitors and fans. The fee underscores the serious commitment required for a star's installation and perpetual care. The Hollywood Walk of Fame continues to be a dynamic, living tribute to the world’s greatest entertainers. By expanding to include the Sports Entertainment category, the landmark has cemented its place as a modern icon, ready to celebrate the next generation of global superstars across all six pillars of the entertainment industry.