DuVernay, Ava

1972- · Contribution: 2012-present

Filmmaker

Filmmaker whose work centers on the African American experience and who broke a series of directing barriers: the first Black woman to win Best Director at the Sundance Film Festival, the first nominated for a Golden Globe for directing, the first to direct a Best Picture Oscar nominee, and the first to direct a live-action film with a budget over $100 million.

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Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech

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Quick facts

Born
1972
Active since
2012
Category
Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
Best known for
"Selma" & "13th"First Black woman with a \$100M+ filmSundance Best Director

Impact on the world

DuVernay broke a series of directing barriers while centering the African American experience in major films and series. She expanded who gets to helm big-budget, awards-caliber work.

An alternative history

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Sources

  1. Book or scholarly work

    Britannica (Ava DuVernay)

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