British Academy Britannia Awards to honour director Ava DuVernay

BAFTA-winning director Ava DuVernay will receive the John Schlesinger Britannia Award for Excellence in Directing presented by The GREAT Britain Campaign at the 2017 AMD British Academy Britannia Awards presented by American Airlines.

Ava DuVernayShe joins previously announced honoree Dick Van Dyke, who will receive the Britannia Award for Excellence in Television. This year’s event will take place on Friday, October 27, 2017 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

“Ava is both a fearless director and a champion of talent, who has used her platform to shed light on some of the most important issues facing the world today” said Kieran Breen, Chairman of BAFTA Los Angeles. “She has brought together talents from the US and UK for her projects, and successfully crafted work that resonates with audiences around the globe, making her incredibly deserving of this honour.”

Recipients of the John Schlesinger Britannia Award are deeply respected, distinctive and innovative directors, whose contribution as both technicians and artists represents the zenith of the directing profession. Past recipients include Ang Lee, Sam Mendes, Mike Newell, Danny Boyle, Christopher Nolan, David Yates, Quentin Tarantino, and Kathryn Bigelow.