As floats are being prepared to move to their final decorating warehouse space, and the closer we get to the New Year, float decorators have the added pressure of float award judging.
Awards will be announced for the 136th Rose Parade at the Rose Parade Tournament House in Pasadena just a few hours before the parade.
Annually, judges choose 24 float awards in three categories. Looking at innovation, artistry, execution and creativity, judges will decide the awards for float design, floral presentation and entertainment value. This year’s theme “Best Day Ever!” will be taken into account within the three categories, according to Rose Parade officials.
The highest award to be given is the Sweepstakes Trophy. This award has been given out since 1924 and usually honors the float that beautifully meets all three categories.
Last year, the San Diego Zoo took the award for its entry of “It All Started With a Roar,” built by Artistic Entertainment Services, an Azusa-based company.
The three judges for the 2025 Float Awards, sponsored by FTD this year, are Drew Rios, Morgan Anderson and Bill Brzeski.
Drew Rios
A West Covina resident, Drew Rios is the owner and lead designer of Rogue & Fox Floral Co. She has delivered unique floral designs for over 20 years.
Her floral designs have been created for Microsoft, HBO, Nike, the Grammys and the Oscars.
Among the many professions Rios has pursued — including accountant, nurse, flower farmer and children’s clothing designer — floral design work has always been her passion.
In the past, flowers provided Rios a sense of balance, by relieving stress and being a constant presence in her life.
She hopes one day her son will continue her floral design legacy.
Morgan Anderson
Morgan Anderson has a passion for nature and education. Because of her master’s degree and Ph.D. in horticulture, she has a distinct perspective on botanical artistry. She has completed academic research on floristry marketing and florals as an artistic medium, which have been published in HortTechnology and Cut Flower Quarterly journals.
In 2016, she established a company, Flori.Culture, which created botanical experiences, lectures and event installations. She previously won a Professor of Impact Award from the Arizona State University, after being nominated by students because of her dedication and experience.
She has developed floristry coursework and has studied under botanical artists Jennifer McGarigle, Lara DeBroux and Tam Ashworth, all renowned in their field. She is a current faculty member at Arizona State University’s School of Art and teaches courses on botanical art and wellness. She works with organizations like Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona, to provide lectures and workshops.
Bill Brzeski
Bill Brzeski is a highly accomplished production designer.
With more than 40 years of experience in film, television, theater and interior design, Brzeski is known for his craft and immersive worlds, as well as producing visually striking work.
Some movies he has worked on include “Aquaman,” “Iron Man 3” and more. His feature film credits include many a blockbuster hit, including the Oscar-winning “As Good as It Gets” and “The Bucket List.” Other notable films include “The Hangover,” “Due Date” and “War Dogs,” which were a result of his long-time collaboration with director Todd Phillips.
In television, Brzeski’s work includes a staggering number of episodes — over 800 — and more than 30 pilots. His TV credits include “Growing Pains,” “Ellen,” and “The Nanny.”
Awards will be announced at 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day.