Acclaimed Writer & Producer to be Honored for his Groundbreaking Career at 52nd International Emmy® Awards Gala, in New York, on November 25
New York, September 3, 2024 – The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced today that David E. Kelley, the prolific writer and producer behind iconic shows such as Ally McBeal, L.A. Law and Big Little Lies, will receive the 2024 International Emmy® Founders Award at the 52nd International Emmy® Awards Gala, on Monday, November 25, in New York City.
“Every generation has a favorite David E. Kelley show and that’s because David Kelley has been turning out television hits since L.A. Law forty years ago. He crafts memorable television for viewers across the globe.” said International Academy President & CEO, Bruce L. Paisner. “We look forward to recognizing his tremendous talent with the Founders Award.”
“To be recognized by the International Academy in this way is truly overwhelming. This award stands as a testament to the incredible teams and individuals I have had the honor to collaborate with over the years,” said Kelley. “I am especially grateful for the many opportunities I’ve been given in being able to share stories and push boundaries of what television can be.”
Award-winning writer/producer David E. Kelley is the mind behind some of America’s most groundbreaking and distinctive television dramas that address contemporary issues including social justice, diversity, and privilege. He is the creator of the Emmy®, Peabody, and Golden Globe Award-winning shows Boston Legal, The Practice, and Ally McBeal, and the critically acclaimed dramatic series Big Little Lies, Boston Public, Chicago Hope, and Picket Fences.
To date, Kelley is the only Producer to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Comedy and Outstanding Drama, Ally McBeal and The Practice, respectively, in the same year (1999). This year, Kelley produced Presumed Innocent, which held the top spot on AppleTV+, and Netflix’s A Man in Full, which reached #1 among the streamer’s Top 10 most-watched shows in the U.S. In addition to those recent successes Kelley has created multiple #1 shows across various streaming platforms in recent years, including Nine Perfect Strangers, The Undoing and Love & Death. His first documentary project, Hope in the Water, featuring Martha Stewart and Shailene Woodley, premiered earlier this year on PBS. Up next, Kelley is writing/producing Margo’s Got Money Troubles for Apple TV+, starring Elle Fanning.
Before venturing into the world of entertainment, Kelley was an attorney practicing law in Boston. While still a lawyer, he wrote the feature film From the Hip, which earned the attention of L.A. Law co-creator Steven Bochco. In addition to his incredible TV career, Kelley is the founder of Riverence, the largest grower of steelhead and rainbow trout in North America, with approximately 20 sustainably managed farms in Idaho and Washington State. Kelley’s background in law greatly influenced his ability to create thought-provoking television that resonates with viewers across the world.
Past recipients of the International Emmy® Founders Award include Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, J.J. Abrams, Jesse Armstrong, Shonda Rhimes and Ryan Murphy among many others. Kelley will accept the Special Emmy®, in New York City, on Monday, November 25th at the International Emmy® Awards black-tie Gala.
About The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognizes excellence in television produced outside of the United States with the prestigious Emmy® Award at the International Emmy® Awards Gala held in New York City, every November. Currently celebrating programming across varied areas including Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Kids, News, Non-Scripted Entertainment, Performances and Short-Form, it also presents two Special Awards, the International Emmy® Directorate, and Founders Awards.
Beyond its awards activity, the International Academy is a membership-based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from 60+ countries from all sectors of television for whom it organizes a series of high-level business, networking, and social events throughout the world and online. For more information go to iemmys.tv.
Media Contacts
The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Eva Obadia, Senior Director, Communications & Partnerships
eva.obadia@iemmys.tv
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Matt Biscuiti
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