For his many accomplishments in TV and for helping marginalized communities through philanthropic work, Tyler Perry and The Perry Foundation have been selected for the Television Academy’s 2020 Governors Award, which he’ll receive during the 72nd Emmys on Sept. 2 on ABC.
The award is typically handed out during the Creative Arts Emmys, but with it being presented to Perry during the prime-time telecast, people around the globe will get to hear his acceptance speech. Last year Perry gave a speech that went viral after receiving BET’s Ultimate Icon Award, so Emmy producers may be looking for something similar to happen with his speech next month.
Over the past 30 years the award has been mainly given to TV shows and networks, with the last one going to “Star Trek” in 2018.
“I’m grateful for and humbled by this recognition from the Television Academy,” said Perry in a statement. “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.”
To date, Perry has created more than 20 stage plays, 22 films, over a dozen TV shows, and written two top-selling books, all while helping others during difficult times.
Last year when the Bahamas was ravaged by Hurricane Dorian, Perry used his private plane to deliver necessities, including water, diapers, and hygiene products.
In 2010, the media mogul built Perry Place, a 20-home community to house those in his hometown of New Orleans who needed a place to reside after Hurricane Katrina struck.
Perry also worked with a long list of charities over the years, including Feeding America, Covenant House, and Hosea Feed the Hungry, and lent aid to people in Haiti after an earthquake hit their country in 2010.
This year, Perry has helped underserved communities in Georgia and Louisiana during COVID-19 by partnering with grocery chain Winn-Dixie to give essential items to seniors and others who could be severely affected by the virus.
“Tyler Perry has changed the face of television and inspired a new generation of content creators,” said Governors Award selection committee Chair Eva Basler. “He pioneered a new brand of storytelling that engages people of color both in front of and behind the camera, and his shows have resonated with a global audience.”
Perry completed the opening his own studio last year in Atlanta, culminating years of work of transforming much of the former Fort McPherson Army base into a modern film production facility. At a time when much of Hollywood was at a standstill, he began filming his shows “Sistas” and “The Oval” in July after a long pause because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
