How the Hollywood Walk of Fame works: who picks the stars and who pays
A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not bought, but it is not free either. How nominations work, who chooses the honorees each year, the $85,000 sponsorship fee, and how Angélique Kidjo became the first African musician honoured.
Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame are chosen once a year by a committee of people who already have stars. Anyone can submit a nomination, but only with the celebrity’s agreement. Each new star then comes with an $85,000 sponsorship fee, paid by the nomination’s sponsor. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce runs the Walk for the City of Los Angeles, and it now has more than 2,800 stars.
What we know
- FACT: Nominations are accepted online once a year. The 2026 window ran from 1 April to 15 May 2026, with a $275 application fee.
- FACT: Honorees are chosen by the Walk of Fame Selection Committee, whose members are themselves Walk of Famers.
- FACT: Each selection carries an $85,000 sponsorship fee, which covers the star, the ceremony and upkeep.
- FACT: The Class of 2027, with 32 honorees including Pedro Pascal, Idris Elba, Karol G and Lil Wayne, was announced on 23 July 2026.
- FACT: Angélique Kidjo, from Benin, received her star on 18 August 2026. The BBC described her as the first African musician honoured on the Walk.
Who can be nominated
The Walk of Fame has six categories: Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, Recording, Live Theatre/Live Performance and Sports Entertainment.
According to the official nomination procedure, the committee looks at:
- professional achievement;
- at least five years’ experience in the category;
- contributions to the community;
- a guarantee that the nominee will attend the star ceremony.
Anyone, including a fan, can submit a nomination, but it must include a letter of agreement from the celebrity or their management. Without one, the application is rejected. Applications are online only and must include a photo, a short bio, the nominee’s qualifications and a list of community contributions. The Chamber says some people need several nominations before they are selected.
Posthumous stars are possible after a two-year waiting period following the person’s death. The Chamber’s FAQ says only one posthumous star can be awarded per year, and a family member has to accept it. In the Class of 2027, that honour went to country singer Waylon Jennings.
How the selection works
According to the Chamber’s FAQs, the committee receives about 200 to 300 applications a year and selects roughly 24 to 30 honorees. The process has three steps:
| Step | Who decides | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walk of Fame Selection Committee | Reviews nominations and chooses the year’s class |
| 2 | Hollywood Chamber of Commerce board | Ratifies the committee’s choices |
| 3 | City of Los Angeles Board of Public Works | Gives final approval, because the stars sit on public sidewalks |
The Chamber says it does not accept petitions, so fan campaigns do not count as nominations.
There is one inconsistency in the official material. The Chamber’s FAQ says the committee meets in June, while its Class of 2027 announcement says the committee met on 15 May 2026, with the board ratifying the list on 22 July.
How much a star costs
Being chosen comes with a bill. An $85,000 sponsorship fee is due once a nominee is selected. The Chamber says it covers making and installing the star, the ceremony and lifetime maintenance of the Walk. The fee is the sponsor’s responsibility, and the Chamber says all fees are subject to change.
Honorees then have two years from selection to schedule their ceremony, or the selection expires. Ceremonies are free and open to the public, and the Chamber usually announces them about 10 days in advance on walkoffame.com. Honorees cannot choose where their star goes; the Chamber picks the spot.
Where the stars are
The stars are made of terrazzo and brass. They run along Hollywood Boulevard between Gower Street and La Brea Avenue, and along Vine Street between Sunset Boulevard and Yucca Street, in Los Angeles.
Africa on the Walk of Fame
Angélique Kidjo’s star in August 2026 was a milestone. The BBC reported that the Beninese singer was the first African musician honoured on the Walk. The BBC noted that South African-born actor Charlize Theron also represents the continent on the Walk. Guests at the ceremony included Willem Dafoe, the Beninese actor Djimon Hounsou and the Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold. Speaking to BBC Focus on Africa afterwards, Kidjo dedicated the star to the whole continent:
“This star is for all the continent of Africa.”
Angélique Kidjo, speaking to the BBC
The Class of 2027
The latest class, announced on 23 July 2026 by Walk of Famers Ming-Na Wen and Sheila E., has 32 honorees. They include Pedro Pascal, Idris Elba, Karol G, Sia, Linkin Park and Lil Wayne. Pascal is also in the news for his role in the film Behemoth. Ceremony dates for the class will be announced over the next two years.
Hollywood has other famous rituals. For another, see our guide to what the Met Gala is and how it works.
What to watch next
Nominations for the following class are expected to reopen in spring 2027. Check the Chamber’s ceremony calendar for new star unveilings, which are announced at short notice.
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