Michelle Khare used the Pulse Award at IndieWire Honors 2026 in Los Angeles to celebrate independent storytelling on YouTube—and to press a philosophy she says Tom Cruise gave her: “Be competent, not careful.”
Michelle Khare walked into IndieWire Honors 2026 with the kind of confidence that comes from doing the hard thing first. On June 4 in Los Angeles. the “Challenge Accepted” host accepted her Pulse Award during the TV edition of the biannual ceremony. hosted by returning IndieWire favorite Dewayne Perkins.
The moment wasn’t only for celebration. Khare used the stage to argue for the future of creator-led storytelling online, tying her work to the blurred line between traditional entertainment and modern digital media. Her Pulse Award recognized her as an indie filmmaker whose work reflects that shift.
“Thank you so much to IndieWire for this incredible award and also for just recognizing the power of independent storytelling online,” Khare began—then immediately pivoted to what she does best: taking on the impossible in front of millions.
Referencing footage shown during the ceremony (“That was me!” she beamed), Khare described strapping herself to the side of a military aircraft as part of an effort to recreate one of Tom Cruise’s most mind-blowing stunts from the “Mission: Impossible” franchise.
For eight seasons. “Challenge Accepted” has followed that same pattern—immersing Khare in demanding professions. athletic competitions. and high-risk challenges that she says help everyone involved in the production. while also offering viewers something to watch at home. And with her husband and series co-creator Garrett Kennell. she has turned the digital show into what she framed as a serious contender in contemporary nonfiction production online.
While accepting the Pulse Award, Khare linked her win to a bigger cultural moment. “In a week where creator-led films like ‘Backrooms’ and ‘Obsession’ are leading the box office, I have never been more proud to say I’m a YouTuber,” she said to applause.
That pride landed on stage for more than one reason. In her interview with IndieWire ahead of the ceremony. she discussed how “Challenge Accepted” operates with a small full-time staff even as the series has expanded its scale and cultural footprint—positioning self-produced content as something that can rival major projects backed by mainstream studios and networks.
The aircraft stunt wasn’t the only Cruise-related detail Khare brought with her. Days before she attempted it, she briefly met Tom Cruise, and he offered her a piece of advice she described as lasting.
“Be competent, not careful,” Cruise told her.
Khare said that distinction has become a guiding principle for her team. “Be competent, study, try, fail, succeed, grow,” she said. “But also don’t be too careful [or] let fear get in the way of doing something big and ambitious.”
By the end of her remarks, Khare kept moving through the people and partners who built the show with her. She thanked Kennell, her team, representatives at Gersh and Imprint, and partners including YouTube and Red Bull.
She also finished with humor aimed at another honoree in attendance, Nicolas Cage. Recalling a time she purchased an expensive copy of the Declaration of Independence. supposedly carrying Cage’s “National Treasure” actor autograph. Khare said. “I don’t know if it was real or if I was ripped off by the seller. So, I’d love to talk to you about that if you’re still here.”.
Cage—who received the Innovation Award for his work on “Spider-Noir”—was not immediately available to comment. Still, Khare’s joke made the point clear: for her, the hero of “Challenge Accepted” is always in the room, even if he doesn’t respond right away.
The IndieWire Honors ceremony took place on Thursday, June 4, in Los Angeles, with an intimate cocktail reception and ceremony. Khare’s full speech is available in the video above, with more exclusive editorial and social content from the night planned, including video interviews and outtakes.
Michelle Khare Challenge Accepted IndieWire Honors 2026 Pulse Award Dewayne Perkins Tom Cruise Mission: Impossible YouTube Garrett Kennell Nicolas Cage Innovation Award Spider-Noir Backrooms Obsession Gersh Imprint Red Bull