The Television Academy has announced that entertainment industry icon Tyler Perry and The Perry Foundation will receive the 2020 Governors Award “in recognition of their unparalleled contributions to shaping the television medium.’’
Perry was chosen by the Television Academy’s Board of Governors for his achievements in television and his commitment to offering opportunities to marginalized communities through personal and Foundation programs of inclusion, engagement, employment and other philanthropic initiatives and will receive his Emmy during the Emmy Awards telecast on Sunday, Sept. 20, the academy announced in a statement.
The award honors an individual or organization in the television arts and sciences whose achievement is so exceptional and universal in nature that it goes beyond the scope of annual Emmy Awards recognition.
“Perry’s inspirational journey from the streets of New Orleans to Hollywood’s A-list is the stuff of American dreams,’’ said the statement. “The self-made actor, writer, producer, director and philanthropist is the visionary behind 22 feature films, over 20 stage plays, 13 television shows, two New York Times bestselling books and the groundbreaking Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Ga.
“Through The Perry Foundation, he has aided people and charities who help others overcome the obstacles that he, too, once faced and has been intimately involved in the support of civil rights causes,” said the academy.
“I’m grateful for and humbled by this recognition from the Television Academy,’’ said Perry. “I’ve always prided myself on the work we do at the studio, our diverse representation of people from all walks of life, and the community we’ve built. My hope is that through moments like this we can remind others of the power of ownership and show that when the world doesn’t offer you a seat at the table, you can build your own.’’
This year, Perry conceived and implemented several ways to help those financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He teamed up with grocery stores in New Orleans and Atlanta to give out gift cards to the elderly; and donated 1,000 gift cards to Atlanta residents, which were handed out by police as a way to build relationships in the community.
