Mumbai: The International Academy of Television Arts And Sciences has announced that Ava DuVernay will receive the 2022 International Emmy Founders Award. The American film and television director, writer and producer will receive the honour at the 50th International Emmy Awards Gala on 21 November 2022 in New York City.

DuVernay has been nominated for her work on the Netflix’s mini-series When they See Us, based on the infamous Central Park Five case, which portrayed the injustices brought by police treatment of five falsely accused teens to the attention of millions of people around the world, as well as for her work at her production company Array. Along with credits including historical drama Selma, the documentary “13th”, and the movie Disney’s “Wrinkle in Time,” she became the highest-grossing black woman director ever at the US box office.

In a statement, International Academy president and CEO Bruce L. Paisner said, “Ava DuVernay is a force of nature and this is reflected in the remarkable scope and volume of her work. 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 colour in entertainment and ensure inclusivity. We look forward to honouring her extraordinary talent and a prolific decade of leadership at Array, with our Founders Award.”

On receiving the honour, DuVernay said, “This honour from the International Academy of Television Arts And Sciences is unexpected and wildly appreciated. I thank the organisation for recognising my work and salute their efforts to ensure that storytellers of all backgrounds are amplified and celebrated.”