Mara Brock Akil, whose television producing credits include series such as “Girlfriends,” “The Game” and “Being Mary Jane,” was named Thursday the recipient of the Producers Guild of America’s Norman Lear Achievement Award.
The award recognizes an “extraordinary body of work in television.” Previous recipients include Lear, Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy, Amy Sherman-Palladino, Marta Kauffman, Chuck Lorre, J.J. Abrams, Lorne Michaels, Dick Wolf, Jerry Bruckheimer, Aaron Spelling, David E. Kelley, Gail Berman, Greg Berlanti, Mindy Kaling and Taika Waititi.
“The hallmark of a great producer is the ability to bring stories to life with both purpose and imagination. Mara Brock Akil has done this throughout her career, leaving an indelible impact on television and the industry as a whole,” PGA Presidents Donald De Line and Stephanie Allain said in a joint statement. “With shows like `Girlfriends,’ `The Game,’ and `Being Mary Jane,’ she has set a standard for excellence that continues with her most recent series, `Forever.’ Her body of work stands as a testament to the profound influence producers can have on the medium.”
She will receive the award during the 37th annual Producers Guild Awards on Feb. 28 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City.
“I am deeply honored to receive an award that bears the name of Norman Lear, a visionary who expanded the boundaries of what television could be,” Brock Akil said in a statement. “His work taught us that storytelling can move culture, challenge assumptions, and create community — values that have guided my career.
“Storytelling is a privilege, and I’m grateful to the Producers Guild for recognizing the work and the incredible teams who have helped bring these stories to life. This acknowledgment inspires me to continue championing characters and worlds that reflect the complexity, beauty, and courage of our lives.”