Bette Midler Accepts 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize in Tulsa Bette Midler accepted the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, performing a rewritten version of Guthrie's protest song All You Fascists. Bette Midler accepted the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, performing a rewritten version of Woody Guthrie's 1940s protest classic All You Fascists (Bound to Lose). The singer and actress wore a T-shirt embossed with the blunt song title so the message would not be missed. The Woody Guthrie Prize is presented annually by the Woody Guthrie Center and recognizes artists who reflect Guthrie's belief that music can be a force for social justice and change. The Tulsa event also served as a fundraiser supporting the center's educational programs, public concerts and exhibitions.Midler Rewrites Guthrie Protest ClassicIn her acceptance remarks, Midler said justice does not always come from the courthouse and suggested that sometimes the law is late, overdressed and on the wrong side. She said justice instead comes from a beat-up guitar.Midler explained that when she wanted to say something about what she was seeing going on today, she took Guthrie's song and put new words in its mouth because the old fights came back in new suits. She thanked the organization for accepting her and for letting her rewrite the song, which she described as her small contribution to the Resistance.She described the present moment as hard and terrible times, saying a war is being waged and that people are all being drafted whether the letter arrives or not. She thanked the audience for noticing that she showed up for duty.Midler released her spirited version of Guthrie's song on YouTube in April, accompanied by a message in which she said she has been around a long time but has never lived through what people are living through now. She encouraged listeners to sing the song when marching, adding that sometimes people just have to sing out.Midler teamed with Eric Kornfeld to write her derivative of Guthrie's protest classic. She also executive produced the video, which was directed by Toni Basil and Seanne Farmer. The video featured cameos by celebrities including Barbara Hershey, Midler's co-star in a prior film project.Guthrie Family and Center Praise HonoreeGuthrie's granddaughter, Anna Canoni, said at the event that Midler woke up the neighborhood this year with her powerful rendition of All You Fascists (Bound To Lose). Canoni said Midler brought Woody back to the fight, back to the protest, the rallies and the ongoing struggle for democracy and humanity.Canoni said the organization is absolutely honored that Midler has joined its remarkable community of artists who have carried Woody's words and music to the fight.Cady Shaw, senior director of the Woody Guthrie Center, which hosts the annual award presentation, said that beneath the glamour, the spectacular voice and the sharp sense of humor is a woman who understands something Woody knew all along: that everyone has a responsibility to leave this world a little better than they found it.Shaw said that is precisely what the Woody Guthrie Prize celebrates, recognizing artists whose contributions extend far beyond their creative achievements and who have demonstrated the courage to speak up and the determination to turn their convictions into meaningful action. She said Midler embodies that spirit beautifully.Auction and Performances Support Guthrie CenterA silent auction at the event featured a signed ukulele from Midler's personal collection along with other items from her archive. The auction also included a signed lithograph, rare prints of Bob Dylan and related artists, a premium ticket package from the Oklahoma City Thunder and tickets to a concert.Rising country artist Bryan Andrews performed a selection of original songs including Yeehaw, and led an audience sing-along of Guthrie's most famous song, This Land Is Your Land.Guthrie died in 1967 at age 55. The prize in his name continues to honor artists whose work carries forward his belief in music as a force for social change.Midler Career and Prize LegacyMidler, 80, has won three Grammys, three Primetime Emmys and a Tony, plus a non-competitive Tony. She has received two Oscar nominations.The prize has previously gone to artists including Bruce Springsteen in 2021 and Norman Lear in 2017, among other honorees recognized for combining creative achievement with social activism.The 2026 ceremony at Cain's Ballroom, a venue with its own place in Oklahoma music history, drew attention both for Midler's performance and for her pointed remarks about the current political climate. Organizers said proceeds from the evening will continue to fund the center's educational and public programming throughout the year.