The Hollywood Reporter announced today that Shonda Rhimes will receive the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the 2014 annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast. The VIP breakfast will take place December 10 at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.
“Over the past decade, Shonda Rhimes has completely redefined the way women are perceived on television — and therefore in society too. She’s created iconic roles for women; she’s put women front and center in the national debate; and she’s also been a pioneering force in leading the way for African-American women in the media,” said Sherry Lansing, former CEO of Paramount Pictures, and first woman to head a Hollywood studio. “And what’s amazing about her is, she hasn’t just done this once: she’s done it over and over and over again. She’s a creative, intellectual and artistic powerhouse, and I’m thrilled she’ll receive the award that carries my name.”
As a recipient of The Hollywood Reporter‘s Sherry Lansing Leadership Award —which recognizes a woman who is a pioneer and a leader in her industry —Rhimes joins last year’s recipient, Oprah Winfrey, as well as Diane Keaton, Jane Fonda, Dame Helen Mirren, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, Jodie Foster, Glenn Close and Barbara Walters, among a host of other illustrious women leaders.
“Shonda Rhimes represents a unique embodiment of the spirit and value of the Women in Entertainment initiative,” said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group. “As a person whose creativity, talent and drive transcend boundaries, Shonda is fearless in her career, owning the Hollywood conversation with her portrayal of diverse, strong female characters,” said Min. “I’m truly honored this extraordinary woman is helping us carry this torch.”
Rhimes continues her reign as one of the most influential showrunners of our time, with three hit shows currently airing on ABC’s Thursday night lineup, “Thank God It’s Thursday”. Her production company, Shondaland, has produced Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. This past October, Shonda was featured as the cover star of The Hollywood Reporter’s Showrunner Issue and has previously received a Golden Globe and three Emmy nominations for her work.
During the breakfast, 18 ambitious inner-city girls who participate in The Hollywood Reporter’s Mentorship Program will be presented with scholarships. The program, which is currently in its sixth year is a joint venture with Big Brothers Big Sisters that pairs girls with leading figures from the entertainment industry. Previous mentors include NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke, Fox Television Group Chairman/CEO Dana Walden, Paramount President of Worldwide Distribution and Marketing Megan Colligan and Chairman Universal Pictures Donna Langley.
The Women in Entertainment breakfast, sponsored by Lifetime, Audi, Gucci, Roberto Coin and Loyola Marymount, coincides with the publication of The Hollywood Reporter‘s annual Women in Entertainment: Power 100 list. Rhimes has made the Women in Entertainment: Power 100 list in past years.
SOURCE The Hollywood Reporter
