Celebrating excellence: Lifetime achievement awards at the 45th News & Documentary Emmys
Honoring legends in journalism and documentary filmmaking
In a grand celebration of journalistic excellence and documentary filmmaking, the 45th annual News & Documentary Emmys will honor two industry stalwarts with lifetime achievement awards. The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) has announced that Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney will be the distinguished recipients of these prestigious accolades.
Jane Pauley: A beacon of broadcast journalism
Jane Pauley, the esteemed host of “CBS News Sunday Morning,” will be recognized during the news ceremony on Wednesday, September 25. The event will take place at New York’s Palladium Times Square and will be streamed live on NATAS’ viewing app.
Pauley’s illustrious career spans decades, marked by numerous accolades including four Daytime Emmy Awards, five News & Documentary Emmy Awards, and a Sports Emmy Award. Her contributions to journalism have also been honored with the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, the Edward R. Murrow Award for Outstanding Achievement, and the Gracie Allen Award from the Foundation of American Women in Radio and Television.
Reflecting on her journey, Pauley shared, “I am so grateful for this recognition. It is the honor of a lifetime. My career has been a shared experience made possible by partnerships with the best in journalism and collaborations with its most inventive minds. Change and opportunity have been the constants. My career has not been a steady ascent but a winding path leading to my crowning achievement as host of ‘CBS News Sunday Morning.’”
Alex Gibney: Master storyteller of our times
Documentarian and director Alex Gibney will be honored during the documentary ceremony on Thursday, September 26. Gibney’s work has left an indelible mark on the world of documentary filmmaking, earning him an Academy Award, four News & Documentary Emmy Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, six Peabody Awards, and six Writers Guild Awards.
Gibney’s notable works include the Oscar-winning “Taxi to the Dark Side,” the critically acclaimed “Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room,” and the Emmy-winning “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief.” His recent projects, such as “Wise Guys,” a two-part series on David Chase, and the upcoming documentary “Musk” about Elon Musk, continue to push the boundaries of storytelling.
Expressing his gratitude, Gibney said, “I am grateful, humbled and deeply honored by this award. While it has my name on it, it is also a powerful recognition of the work of my collaborators over the years, including my producers, cinematographers and, most especially, editors. It reminds me of that great two-word poem, invented on the spot, at a speech at Harvard, by Muhammed Ali: ‘Me, We.’”
A celebration of enduring impact
Adam Sharp, President and CEO of NATAS, emphasized the significance of these awards, stating, “We are honored to pay tribute to these two revered icons of our industry. Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney continue to reach viewers while at the same time opening doors for those coming behind them. This honor is not only about impressive longevity in a competitive space, but also the broad and sweeping impact each has had on the business, their audiences, and the greater community. NATAS is proud to celebrate their enduring dedication to television excellence.”
Streaming the event
The 45th News & Documentary Emmy® Awards will be streamed live on NATAS’ viewing platform, accessible at watch.theemmys.tv and via The Emmys apps for iOS, tvOS, Android, FireTV, Roku, and more.
Personal reflections for enthusiasts
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, the achievements of Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney serve as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact of dedicated journalism. Pauley’s journey from the host of NBC’s “Today” to her current role at “CBS News Sunday Morning” is a narrative of resilience and adaptability. Her memoirs, “Skywriting: A Life Out of the Blue” and “Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life,” offer deeper insights into her life and career.
Gibney’s documentaries, such as “Taxi to the Dark Side” and “Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief,” are must-watch for those who appreciate in-depth, investigative storytelling. His ability to tackle complex subjects with clarity and nuance makes his work a valuable resource for understanding contemporary issues.
For those interested in exploring more about these works, here are some direct links to trailers and information pages:
Final thoughts
The lifetime achievement awards for Jane Pauley and Alex Gibney at the 45th News & Documentary Emmys highlight the enduring impact of their work in journalism and documentary filmmaking. Their stories inspire and remind us of the power of dedication, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of truth. As we celebrate their achievements, we also look forward to the future contributions they will undoubtedly continue to make in their respective fields.