Greg Berlanti to receive the Governors Award at the Emmys
Celebrating a visionary in television
In a significant announcement, the Television Academy has revealed that Greg Berlanti will be honored with this year’s Governors Award at the Emmys. This accolade recognizes Berlanti’s profound impact on television and culture, particularly through his work in depicting underrepresented communities in iconic series such as Dawson’s Creek, Riverdale, All American, The Flight Attendant, and You.
A night to remember
Berlanti will receive his Emmy during the 76th Emmys on Sunday, September 15, at the Peacock Theatre at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. This event promises to be a memorable evening, celebrating not just Berlanti’s achievements but also the broader contributions of television to culture and society.
A creator in tune with the times
“Greg is an extraordinary creator, who consistently delivers characters and stories that are in dialogue with the real world,” said TV Academy chair Cris Abrego. Berlanti’s commitment to representing three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters has paved the way for greater cultural understanding and acceptance. His work has been instrumental in moving our culture forward, making him a deserving recipient of this year’s Governors Award.
The Governors Award: A prestigious honor
The Governors Award is given by the Television Academy’s Board of Governors to individuals, companies, or organizations that have made a profound, transformational, and long-lasting contribution to the arts and/or science of television. Last year, the award was given to GLAAD, and previous honorees include the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, Debbie Allen, Tyler Perry and The Perry Foundation, “Star Trek,” ITVS, and “American Idol.”
A legacy of groundbreaking work
Berlanti’s role as a creator, writer, and executive producer on more than 45 television shows is nothing short of remarkable. His portfolio includes Political Animals, Arrow, Blindspot, The Flash, Supergirl, Everwood, Titans, Doom Patrol, Found, and many more.
Breaking barriers and setting firsts
Berlanti has been a trailblazer in introducing LGBTQ+ characters and storylines to mainstream television. He was instrumental in introducing a gay character and featuring the first same-sex kiss between two men on U.S. network television with Dawson’s Creek. His series Brothers & Sisters included the first same-sex legal marriage on network TV, while Dirty Sexy Money featured the first recurring transgender character on primetime TV. Additionally, Supergirl included the first transgender superhero.
Pioneering representation in superhero narratives
Berlanti’s Batwoman featured the first openly gay superhero as a series lead, while his film Red, White and Royal Blue, currently Emmy-nominated, is a royal rom-com with LGBTQ+ leads. His upcoming project, NBC’s Brilliant Minds, features the first single gay lead in a U.S. medical drama.
A heartfelt acknowledgment
“I am beyond grateful to be receiving this overwhelming and humbling honor from the Board of Governors and the Television Academy,” Berlanti said. He expressed his gratitude for the family, friends, showrunners, executives, cast, crews, and audiences that have made this honor possible.
Philanthropy and recognition
Beyond his work in television, Berlanti is also behind the Berlanti Family Foundation, which supports numerous charities and those in need. In 2022, the Producers Guild of America awarded him the Norman Lear Achievement Award.
The countdown to the Emmys
Voting for this year’s Emmys is currently underway and will continue until Monday. The winners will be revealed in less than a month. Produced by Jesse Collins Entertainment and hosted by Eugene Levy and Dan Levy, the 76th Emmy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and will stream the next day on Hulu.
For more information on the shows and movies mentioned, check out their trailers and details through the provided links.