Who runs the world? Shonda Rhimes. The TV mogul, creator, and producer will be receiving a special honor at the International Emmy Awards Gala this coming Monday, The Seattle Times reports. Tony Goldwyn, who plays President Fitzgerald Grant on “Scandal,” will present Rhimes with the International Emmy Founders Award.
Bruce L. Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, said Rhimes “is a worthy recipient of the award because she has truly made a global impact on television. Shonda Rhimes is in a league of her own — not only does she have an entire night of primetime on ABC in the United States, but her groundbreaking shows and iconic characters are avidly followed by over 300 million viewers worldwide, in 67 languages,” Paisner added. “And she repeatedly keeps surprising the industry and her audiences, with her new shows and story lines.”
As the creator and/or producer of such hits as “Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” and “How to Get Away with Murder,” Rhimes practically owns Thursday night television. She also produced a short biopic for Hillary Clinton for the Democratic National Convention in July.
In October, Rhimes was named one of The Hollywood Reporter’s “Hollywood’s 50 Most Powerful Showrunners 2016.” In January, when she was awarded with the PGA Diversity Award, Rhimes said, “It’s not trailblazing to write the world as it actually is. Women are smart and strong. They are not sex toys or damsels in distress. People of color are not sassy or dangerous or wise. And believe me, people of color are never anybody’s sidekick in real life.”
“Scandal” is returning after a fall hiatus on January 19.
