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Ben Winston (The Late Late Show With James Corden), has been tapped to produce the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2028 Summer Olympic Games, as well as the Paralympic Games, in Los Angeles, LA28 announced Thursday. Winston’s announcement should come as no surprise. The Emmy winner was behind the highly praised Paris-to-LA Olympic Handover in 2024. Winston will serve as Executive Producer and Creative Director, teaming with Olympic vet Scott Givens as Executive Producer – Production. The two have formed FulFive, a new entity composed of Winston’s Fulwell Entertainment and Givens’ FiveCurrents, which will produce the ceremonies. FulFive will by led Givens and Ryann Lauckner as Co-CEOs. “We searched the world for partners who could blend artistic vision and flawless execution at the highest level,” said Peter Rice, LA28 Head of Ceremonies and Content and Executive Producer. “Ben Winston and Scott Givens are two of the most accomplished producers in live entertainment today. Their combined expertise brings together the creative storytelling and production excellence needed to deliver Ceremonies worthy of the Olympic and Paralympic stage that will showcase Los Angeles as the entertainment capital of the world while celebrating the athletes who inspire us all.” Winston, a 14-time Emmy Award winner, was behind the Paris-to-LA Olympic Handover Celebration, featuring Tom Cruise, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, Billie Eilish, H.E.R. and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. In addition to The Late Late Show with James Corden, his additional credits include The Grammys and Friends: The Reunion, as well as Adele: One Night Only and Elton John: A Farewell from Dodger Stadium specials, among others. “The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games represent the pinnacle of human achievement, and Los Angeles, the home of storytelling, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what these Ceremonies can be,” said Winston. “I couldn’t be more honored, grateful and delighted to take on this role, and to work alongside Peter, Scott and the whole LA28 team, to create unforgettable Ceremonies that will truly inspire and entertain, while cerebrating the Olympic and Paralympic spirit and the creative energy of this city.” Givens has produced more than 400 major live events and held roles with 15 Olympic Games and produced 63 global ceremonies. He is a recipient of the prestigious Olympic Order, one of the highest honors afforded by the International Olympic Committee. “These Ceremonies represent the ultimate challenge in live production – bringing together global headliners, thousands of performers, best-in-class technologies and split-second timing on the world’s biggest stage,” said Givens. “I’m thrilled to partner with the incredibly talented LA28 team alongside Ben and Peter to execute a vision that honors the athletes and creates a unifying memory for Los Angeles, California, our nation and a global broadcast audience in the billions.” The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games will take place in the summer of 2028, marking the third time Los Angeles has hosted the Olympic Games and the first time it has hosted the Paralympic Games. The 2028 Olympic Opening Ceremony will take place on Friday, July 14, 2028 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, shared between the LA Memorial Coliseum and 2028 Stadium, and the Olympic Closing Ceremony will take place Sunday, July 30, 2028 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The Paralympic Opening Ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 15, 2028 at the 2028 Stadium, and the Paralympic Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, August 27, 2028 at the LA Memorial Coliseum, with more information on timing to be shared with the Paralympic competition schedule at a later date.
