November 29, 2018
Los Angeles – Directors Guild of America President Thomas Schlamme today announced that FX Networks will be the recipient of the Guild’s 2019 Diversity Award. The Award is being given for the network’s commitment to, and leadership in, inclusive hiring in DGA-covered categories – and for the example they set for the rest of the industry. The Award will be presented at the 71st Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 2, 2019.
“The DGA Diversity Award is a rare honor, given only when exceptional leadership in inclusive hiring is exhibited – and today, FX embodies the spirit of this special award,” said Schlamme. “Just three short years ago, FX made a promise to transform themselves from a network that trailed behind in the area of director diversity, to one that blazed a new trail. In the time since, they’ve gone above and beyond to turn words into action. From CEO John Landgraf to all corners of the network, status quo hiring practices were overhauled into expansive searches for talented women directors and directors of color. By chipping away barriers for talent to be discovered, FX not only impacted the careers of diverse directors, they also enhanced the quality of their shows. FX is an extraordinary advocate for inclusion throughout our industry, and a shining example of how an institution can change its culture. We are very proud to recognize them with the DGA’s Diversity Award.”
Over the last several years, FX has emerged as an industry leader in diversity by actively and consistently creating an inclusive environment. Not long ago, the company lagged behind the other networks in diverse hiring: just 12% of the network’s directors were women or people of color in the 2014-15 season. It was at that time that the company announced a serious commitment to taking action and improving diversity behind the camera. FX CEO John Landgraf kicked off the initiative in January 2016, urging for a diversified pool of directors, and developing network resources to aid in those efforts. Hiring practices were overhauled, and the changes made a big impact. In the most recent TV season, 52.6% of the channel’s roster of directors were women or people of color.
The DGA Diversity Award has only been given five previous times in its history: in 1997 to Bruce Paltrow, John Wells and Christopher Chulack; in 1999 to Steven Bochco; in 2000 to HBO; in 2005 to Stephen McPherson; and in 2014 to Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.
The DGA Diversity Award recipient is selected by the Guild’s Diversity Task Force and was unanimously approved by the National Board. It will be presented at the 71st Annual DGA Awards on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Hollywood & Highland Center’s Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood.
- The Feature Film and First-Time Feature Film nominees for the 71st Annual DGA Awards will be announced on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
- All Television, Commercial and Documentary nominees will be announced on Monday, January 7, 2019.
- To apply for a press credential to cover the DGA Awards, or for more information including past winners, CLICK HERE.
About the DGA & Diversity
The DGA has been pressing studios, networks, and producers to be more inclusive in hiring for nearly four decades. The Guild’s efforts include: collective bargaining gains requiring television studios to operate TV director diversity programs, and all first-time TV directors to attend a DGA orientation; ongoing meetings with studios, networks and individual series regarding their hiring records; and publicized reports detailing employer hiring patterns. In addition, the Guild itself has initiated a variety of TV director mentorship and educational programs to support the career development of its members.
- Click here for more information about the DGA’s diversity efforts.