Actress/writer/producer Lena Waithe will be honored with this year’s Trailblazer Award at the MTV Movie & TV Awards.
Waithe made history earlier this year as the first woman of color to be awarded the Emmy Award for 'Best Writing in a Comedy Series' for her work on HBOs Master of None. The episode which won her the Emmy was based on her own coming out story.
Since emerging as a fearless voice in Hollywood, she has become an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community.
The Trailblazer Award recognizes content creators that introduce fresh, fearless and unique voices within the entertainment industry.
Past recipients include Emma Stone, Emma Watson, Channing Tatum and Shailene Woodley.
“Honored,” she responded on Twitter, adding an #IWantMyMTV hashtag.
Honored. #iWantMyMTV https://t.co/UzsflsF4C0
— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) May 21, 2018
Waithe recently starred in Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One and is the creator/writer/producer of Showtime’s The Chi.
She also has the upcoming television show Twenties, based on her own early years in Los Angeles, which she is writing & producing for TBS.
Waithe pays it forward by mentoring young, diverse writers through The Black List initiative.
“Lena is shaking up Hollywood and breaking cultural boundaries through her innovative and authentic storytelling,” said Amy Doyle, general manager of MTV, VH1 and Logo, in a statement. “Her unwavering passion for equality and inclusion make her the perfect recipient for this year’s Trailblazer Award.”
The MTV Movie & TV Awards will air on Monday, June 18 at 9 p.m. ET.
