The Producers Guild of America will honor “A Wrinkle in Time” filmmaker and Array founder Ava DuVernay with its 2018 Visionary Award.
The Wrap reports today (December 7) that the professional association selected DuVernay “for her commitment to underrepresented filmmakers and for her topical work.” The publication specifically cites “13th,” which critiques the system of mass incarceration, and “Queen Sugar,” for which DuVernay intentionally hired several Black female directors.
“The emergence of Ava DuVernay as a producer and filmmaker has been one of the great developments of the past several years," producers and awards co-chairs Donald De Line ("Green Lantern") and Amy Pascal ("Molly’s Game") told The Wrap. "Whether in scripted features, television or documentaries, her unique voice, skill and passion have inspired countless audiences throughout our country and around the world.”
DuVernay tweeted her surprise about the award earlier today:
This is so lovely and unexpected. I love producing. Almost as much as directing. So you know that’s a lot! My thanks to @ProducersGuild for this encouraging recognition. https://t.co/jkpbfFOm9k
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 7, 2017
She will receive the honor at the 29th Annual Producers Guild Awards on January 20.