“Shonda Rhimes is quickly becoming one of most honored and recognized creators and producers in television history,” said Henri Bollinger, awards committee chairman. “Her multi-faceted career and the success she has already achieved defines the very essence of showmanship.”
“Shonda has carved a unique position for herself in the entertainment industry with her creativity and tremendous output of great work,” said ICG president Steven Poster ASC. “As a fan and as president I’m delighted that she has been selected to receive this award.”
Her previous honors and awards include: the Producers Guild of America 2007 producer of the year award; the 2007 Golden Globe for outstanding television drama; the 2007 Lucy Award for excellence in television from Women in Film; the NAACP Image Award for outstanding writing in a dramatic series in consecutive years 2007-2011, as well as five wins for outstanding drama series during those same years; the 2006 Writers Guild award for best new series; in addition to Emmy nominations for outstanding drama series and writing for a drama series.
The DGE will honor Rhimes and Betsy Beers of Shondaland with the guild’s 2014 Diversity Award at the 66th Annual DGA Awards in January.
Rhimes was the 2013 winner of the NAACP Image Award for outstanding drama series with Scandal, also receiving a nomination for outstanding writing for a drama series. Rhimes was the recipient of the 2012 GLAAD Golden Gate Award; 2010 RAINN Hope Award, and a 2009 GLSEN Respect Awards Honoree.
Additionally she received the Television Academy Honors award in 2010 and 2011 for Private Practice as well as the Prism Award for outstanding writing for a drama series in 2011. In 2013, she was appointed by President Obama to serve as trustee for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
