Starz honors Jeanine Daniels with #TakeTheLead Award
Celebrating a trailblazer in storytelling
In a significant move to amplify diverse narratives, Jeanine Daniels, a writer for the acclaimed series “Snowfall,” has been honored with the inaugural Starz #TakeTheLead Award. This prestigious accolade will be presented by Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for Starz, at the Humanitas Prizes Awards Show and Toast on September 12 at the Avalon Hollywood.
A platform for underrepresented voices
The #TakeTheLead initiative by Starz aims to spotlight stories by, about, and for women and underrepresented audiences. This award specifically “recognizes a writer who has completed the Humanitas New Voices Fellowship and demonstrated a dedication to improving representation through their storytelling.”
Jeanine Daniels: A voice of authenticity
Daniels, who was a New Voices Fellow in 2019, has been mentored by Erika Kennair, Head of Scripted, US and Canada at The Mediapro Studio, and a member of Humanitas’s Board of Directors. Her impressive portfolio includes writing and co-producing for “Snowfall” and serving as a supervising producer on “P-Valley.” She has also worked on projects for Netflix, Apple, HBO Max, OWN, BET, and TVOne.
Kathryn Busby praised Daniels, stating, “Jeanine is a seasoned and wholly unique writer whose voice is ripe with specificity and authenticity. Her passion for telling stories with complex and compelling characters and transforming trauma into humor resonates strongly with our dedication to ensuring stories and characters offer bold and fresh perspectives that will allow viewers to feel seen.”
The journey to recognition
Daniels was selected for the award after a rigorous multi-step judging and interview process. Notably, Eric Anthony Glover (“Tom Swift,” “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy”) and John Lowe (“Virgin River,” “Matlock”) were named finalists for the Starz #TakeTheLead Award. As part of her prize, Daniels will receive a blind script deal with Starz, along with mentorship and professional development for one year from Starz executives.
Michelle Franke, Humanitas executive director, emphasized the importance of such initiatives, saying, “Given the state of the industry, awards and experiences like the Starz #TakeTheLead Award are so meaningful to us and our fellows. We’re hoping to help create more opportunities like this one in the coming years.”
A deeper dive into Jeanine Daniels’ work
For those unfamiliar with Daniels’ work, “Snowfall” is a gripping series that delves into the early days of the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles. You can watch the trailer here. Meanwhile, “P-Valley” offers a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of strip club dancers in the Mississippi Delta. Check out the trailer here.
Daniels’ ability to weave intricate narratives that resonate with authenticity and depth is a testament to her talent. Her stories often explore the human condition, offering viewers a chance to see themselves reflected in the characters and situations she portrays.
The broader impact of representation
Representation in media is more than just a buzzword; it’s a crucial element in shaping societal perceptions and fostering empathy. By highlighting diverse voices, platforms like Starz are paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding world. Daniels’ work, with its rich tapestry of characters and stories, plays a pivotal role in this movement.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, Daniels’ recognition is a reminder of the power of storytelling. It’s about more than just entertainment; it’s about creating spaces where everyone feels seen and heard. As we celebrate her achievements, we also look forward to the new stories she will bring to life, stories that will undoubtedly continue to challenge, inspire, and entertain.
Looking ahead
The Starz #TakeTheLead Award is a beacon of hope for many aspiring writers from underrepresented backgrounds. It signifies a commitment to nurturing talent and ensuring that diverse stories find their place in the spotlight. As Daniels embarks on this new chapter with Starz, we can only anticipate more groundbreaking work that will push the boundaries of storytelling.
In the ever-evolving landscape of cinema and TV, voices like Jeanine Daniels’ are not just important; they are essential. They remind us of the power of narrative to transform, to heal, and to connect us all.