David E. Kelly, The acclaimed writer and producer behind hits like “The Practice,” “Big Little Lies” and “Ally McBeal” will receive the 2024 International Emmy Founders Award. The black-tie ceremony will take place on Nov. 25 in New York City.
Kelly's first major success came in 1986, when he became editor of “LA Law.” Since then, he has created such beloved series as “Picket Fences,” “Chicago Hope,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” “Boston Public,” “Boston Legal,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Undoing,” “Nove Perfeitos Estranhos,” “Big Sky,” “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Doogie Howser, MD.”
“Every generation has a favorite David E. Kelley show because David Kelley has been producing events on television since ‘L.A. Law,’ 40 years ago. He creates unforgettable television for viewers around the world,” said Bruce L. Peisner, president and CEO of the International Academy, in a statement. “We are excited to recognize his immense talent with the Founders Award.”
“To be recognized by the International Academy in this way is truly impressive. This award is a testament to the teams and individuals we have had the privilege of collaborating with over the past two years,” Kelly said in a statement. “I am especially excited about the many opportunities I have had to share stories and push the boundaries of what television can be.”
Kelly remains the only producer to win Emmys for Best Comedy and Best Drama in the same year. In 1999, “Ally McBeal” and “The Practice” won their respective awards.
Given that Kelley has been working on projects for years, her Apple TV+ series “Presumed Innocent” is one of the streaming giant’s most popular shows. Similarly, Netflix’s “A Man in Full” is a top-ten hit in the U.S. This year also saw Kelley venture into the world of documentaries for the first time with “Hope in the Water,” which featured Martha Stewart and Shailene Woodley and aired on PBS this year.
Looking ahead, Kelly will write and produce “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” for Apple TV+. The series stars and is executive produced by Elle Fanning, and will also be executive produced by Kidman. The project is based on Ruffy Thorpe’s book of the same name and combines OnlyFans with professional wrestling. A24 has been attached as a project study.
Previous winners of the International Emmy Founders Award include Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, J.J. Abrams, Jesse Armstrong, Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy, and more.
