Legendary actress, choreographer and producer Debbie Allen was honored with the prestigious Governors Award of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences during the 73rd annual Emmy Awards ceremony on Sunday night.
Actress Jada Pinkett Smith, director and producer Ava Duvernay, actress Ellen Pompeo, and actor Michael Douglass helped give the honor to all of them for their lifelong work on projects like Fame, A Different World, and countless others .
« Thanks to my friends for being here, » she told them, noting that Smith in particular had kept the secret of their attendance while Allen was attending their 50th birthday skate party.
« I tremble with gratitude and grace and try not to cry, » she said, holding back tears as she accepted her honor. “It took a lot of courage to be the only woman in the room most of the time. Thank you for this wonderful moment in the sun. «
The Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences presents the annual award to an “individual for excellence in the arts and sciences that are either cumulative in nature or so extraordinary and universal that they are beyond the scope of the Emmys” awards in the categories and areas of competition, ”it says on their website.
Allen was selected for her « unparalleled success on television and her commitment to inspiring and engaging marginalized youth through dance, theater arts and mentoring ». Allen even choreographed the Emmy Awards itself an impressive 10 times.
After jokingly instructing producers to turn off the time clock of her acceptance speech as she was not going to pay her any attention, she continued.
“I share this honor with so many people… anyone who has given me the opportunity to BE Debbie Allen; those who understand me and have supported everything I try. ”
Allen continued to thank several people who had helped her pursue numerous philanthropic endeavors over the years, including the late basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
With her career inspiring so many, Allen expressed the hope that receiving this honor would inspire women around the world to hear their voices in the midst of injustice.
« Let this moment resonate with women all over the world, from Texas to Afghanistan, » she said. “It’s time to claim your power, claim your voice.” In addition to this prestigious award from the Academy, Allen is the most Emmy-winning black woman with a total of 21 nominations and five wins under his belt. She won two of these Emmys this year for her work on Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square.
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