Laguna Beach, California, July 30, 2025 – This past weekend, Greg and Barbara MacGillivray were honored at Oceana’s 18th annual SeaChange Summer Party in Laguna Beach for their lifelong dedication to ocean conservation.
For decades, Greg and Barbara have poured their hearts into protecting the world’s oceans—not only through their pioneering work in documentary filmmaking, but through tireless advocacy, education, and philanthropy. With more than 10 ocean films to their credit—including two Academy Award-nominated giant screen documentaries The Living Sea and Dolphins—and by supporting environmental education through their foundation, the MacGillivrays have helped inspire millions to care about the world’s oceans.
“Our love for the ocean has been lifelong, and we have been privileged to make films that inspire awareness and appreciation for the importance of maintaining thriving, healthy marine environments,” said Greg. “We believe it will take all of us—filmmakers, scientists, Oceana, and other advocates—to keep pushing for meaningful protections of our seas.”
Hosted by actor and Oceana Board Member Sam Waterston, the star-studded evening raised over $1.7 million to support Oceana’s global campaigns to protect and restore the oceans. Guests were treated to an unforgettable private performance by GRAMMY Award-winning artist Charles Kelley of Lady A.
Oceana CEO Jim Simon highlighted the organization’s many victories, including those in California—like banning deadly drift gillnets, protecting nearly 1.4 million square miles of seafloor from destructive bottom trawling, and helping rebuild vital fish populations—while emphasizing the need for continued action.
The evening brought together 335 ocean advocates, including celebrities like January Jones, Angela Kinsey, and Leah Lewis, to rally around a common cause: a thriving ocean for future generations.
A percentage of proceeds from this year’s SeaChange Summer Party will be donated to local ocean conservation organizations and Los Angeles fire relief efforts, including Heal the Bay.
About MacGillivray Freeman Films
Based in Laguna Beach, California, MacGillivray Freeman Films is the world’s foremost independent producer and distributor of giant screen 70mm films with more than 45 films for IMAX® and giant screen theaters to its credit. Throughout the company’s 50-year history, its films have won numerous international awards including two Academy Award® nominations for The Living Sea and Dolphins and three films inducted into the IMAX Hall of Fame, including Everest, the highest grossing giant screen film of all time. MacGillivray Freeman’s films are known for their artistry and celebration of science and the natural world. It is the first documentary film company to reach the one-billion-dollar benchmark for worldwide box office.