Ava DuVernay wins the Casting Society’s Career Achievement Award

Ava DuVernay, writer, producer, director and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker, will soon receive a career award from the Casting Society.

CSA announced today that the Array founder will receive the 2024 Lynn Stalmaster Award for Professional Achievement at the 39th Annual Artios Awards Gala on March 7 in Los Angeles.

“Ava DuVernay is a visionary storyteller who has been a strong supporter of professional casting and the art of casting throughout her distinguished career,” said KSA President Destiny Lilly. “Her passion for inclusive and progressive casting throughout her career catapulted careers and made her a leader in the industry.”

DuVernay’s most recent film is Origin, starring Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, which premiered in Venice and was nominated for the Golden Lion. Along with the 2016 Oscar-nominated documentary film 13., Her film appearances also include: Selma, in the middle of nowhere and Disney A wrinkle in timeThis makes her the most successful black female director in American history.

“In my film OriginThe casting process has become the most important brushstroke on the canvas,” she said in a statement. “It was a joy and a thrill to work with my casting director Aisha Coley to surround our leading lady Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Each of the actors in the Origin The ensemble is characterized by experience, energy, intellect and enthusiasm. They are the latest in a series of exceptional line-ups that I have had the great honor of leading over the years. To be recognized for these efforts by this distinguished organization is a true gift for which I am deeply grateful.”

DuVernay’s television work includes: The Queen, Cherish the Day, Naomi, Colin in Black and White, Queen Sugar And When they see us which was nominated for 11 Emmys and won two, including one for Outstanding Cast in a Limited Series, Movie or Special.

In 2011, DuVernay founded the non-profit narrative change collective Array, which won the Peabody Institutional Award. She also sits on the board of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is vice president of the Directors Guild of America, and is a member of the advisory board of the American Film Institute.

First presented in 1985, the Artios Awards recognize casting professionals in more than twenty categories, including film, scripted and unscripted television, commercial and theater.