Iconic filmmaker, director, and producer Ava DuVernay has used her platform to tell stories from the Black perspective. For years, her creative work has raised social justice awareness for Black Americans nationwide. And now, she will be honored

as this year’s recipient of the Founders Award at the 2022 International Emmy Awards, per The Hollywood Reporter.

DuVernay garnered recognition for her projects, with social activism at the forefront of her storytelling. She earned an Oscar nomination and an Emmy award in 2017 for her documentary 13th, an in-depth look at a flawed U.S. justice system that primarily targets Black men at a disproportionate rate causing racial inequality in the United States. In addition, the 49-year-old received an Oscar and an Academy Award for the Martin Luther King biopic Selma and won two Emmy awards out of 16 nominations for the Netflix series When They See Us. 

The prolific storyteller has often used social and political events to show how Black Americans are still affected by historical matters. In 2011, DuVernay founded ARRAY, an independent company that incorporates the arts and social justice to change the narrative in the film.

The Founders Award recognizes individuals for their hard work while impacting the entertainment industry. DuVernay issued a statement regarding the prestigious honor, thanking those who nominated her for the award. 

“This honor from the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is unexpected and wildly appreciated,” she said. “I thank the organization for recognizing my work and salute their efforts to ensure that storytellers of all backgrounds are amplified and celebrated.”

 Bruce L. Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy, praised DuVernay for her continuous efforts to highlight inclusivity in the arts. 

“Ava DuVernay is a force of nature and this is reflected in the remarkable scope and volume of her work,” said International Academy president and CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “She makes significant films and television programs, she uses her platform to reshape our industry and continues to lead a career-long effort to bolster women and people of color in entertainment and ensure inclusivity.”

DuVernay will be honored at the 50th International Emmy Awards Gala in New York on Nov. 21, along with industry legends Shonda Rhimes and Steven Spielberg.