Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will be honored at the 77th Golden Globes ceremony with the Carol Burnett Award for outstanding contributions to television, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced todat.
DeGeneres has scored three Golden Globe nominations in her career, all for her performance as quirky bookstore owner Ellen Morgan in ABC’s “Ellen.” The 90s sitcom broke ground when its titular character — along with DeGeneres — came out of the closet in 1997, making it one of the first major TV shows with an openly gay lead character.
And her long-running talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” has been a staple at the Daytime Emmys throughout its 16-year run, garnering 11 wins in the talk show category and four wins for DeGeneres as host.
“From her sitcoms, to stand-up comedy, to becoming a household staple on daytime television, she is a pioneer who has captivated audiences for nearly 25 years with her undeniable charm and wit,” wrote HFPA President Lorenzo Soria in a statement. “In addition to her television success, she’s an advocate and philanthropist, lending her voice to those who don’t have one and spreading kindness and joy through the power of her platform. We look forward to celebrating her achievements at this year’s ceremony.”
DeGeneres becomes the second recipient of the Carol Burnett Award, established as a way to recognize the medium’s new golden age. Last year’s inaugural honoree was the award’s namesake. Burnett’s emotional speech paid tribute to the medium that brought her fame.
The Golden Globes ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 5 at the Beverly Hilton. A host has not yet been announced.