Celebrating Visionaries: Advancing Diverse Storytelling in Media
Rae Benjamin's Groundbreaking Recognition: The Starz #TakeTheLead Award
Rae Benjamin, a creative force behind "The Witcher" Season 5 and the animated film "The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep," is set to be honored with the prestigious Starz #TakeTheLead award. This accolade will be presented at the upcoming Humanitas Prizes awards ceremony, acknowledging her significant contributions to diverse storytelling.
A Champion for Underrepresented Voices: Russell T Davies to Present Award
Esteemed screenwriter and producer Russell T Davies, known for his work on "Doctor Who" and "Queer As Folk," will present the award to Benjamin. The #TakeTheLead award specifically celebrates mid-career writers who are dedicated to promoting narratives that empower women and other marginalized communities. As part of this recognition, Benjamin will receive a $10,000 grant and valuable mentorship from Starz executives.
Starz Praises Benjamin's Distinctive Voice and Commitment to Inclusion
Kathryn Busby, president of Starz original programming, lauded Benjamin for her unique storytelling approach and her steadfast commitment to nurturing new talent through her organization, In The Cut. Busby emphasized that Benjamin's work perfectly embodies the spirit of the #TakeTheLead initiative and Starz's broader mission to elevate underrepresented storytellers, predicting a bright future for her impactful work.
Benjamin's Dedication to Diverse Representation and Social Impact
Benjamin expressed her gratitude, stating that her goal, through writing and her organization In The Cut, has always been to foster inclusive and positive representation for marginalized groups. She highlighted that both Humanitas and Starz go beyond superficial inclusion, truly championing innovative narratives. She also revealed that the prize money from the 2026 #TakeTheLead Award will fund a short film focused on Black maternal health, underscoring her commitment to social issues.
Honoring Lifetime Achievement: Winnie Holzman Receives Kieser Award
As previously announced, Winnie Holzman, the acclaimed creator of "My So-Called Life," will receive this year's Kieser Award. This honor will be presented by Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, who originally hired Holzman as a writer and later served as executive producers on her iconic series.
Nurturing Future Talent: The 2026-27 New Voices Fellows Revealed
Humanitas also unveiled its 2026-27 New Voices Fellows: Christina Ingraldi, Leon Lee, Alana Saab, Finn Wagstaff, and Keith Walker. These fellows will participate in a six-month mentorship program designed for early-career television and screenwriters, receiving one-on-one guidance from established writers, a $7,500 stipend, and other valuable benefits. Emmylou Diaz will serve as the Program Advisor for the fellowship.
Recognizing Emerging Screenwriting Excellence: College Screenwriting Awards
The College Screenwriting Awards winners were also announced: Omid Iranikhah (David and Lynn Angell College Comedy Award) and Lauryn Bedford (Carol Mendelsohn College Drama Award). Both recipients will be awarded a $20,000 cash prize and a script notes session with a professional writer. Humanitas program alumni Lauren Goodman and Hayley Tibbenham will present these artist development awards.
Strategic Partnership: Humanitas Collaborates with Echo Lake Entertainment
Further enhancing the New Voice Fellowship program, Humanitas has initiated a partnership with Echo Lake Entertainment. This collaboration will connect fellows with managers from the company for an educational exchange, fostering professional growth and industry access.
A Shared Vision for Growth and Illuminating Storytelling Pathways
Michelle Franke, Executive Director of Humanitas, emphasized that this partnership reflects a mutual belief in providing mentorship, community, and access for developing writers. She extended gratitude to Echo Lake Entertainment for their collaboration in empowering the next generation of storytellers who explore the human condition, helping to illuminate diverse pathways for their narratives.
Echo Lake Entertainment's Commitment to Emerging Writers
Amy Schiffman, a partner at Echo Lake, expressed pride in teaming up with Humanitas for this crucial initiative. She highlighted that the partnership is envisioned to benefit both their management team and the New Voices Fellows, reinforcing their commitment to supporting new talent.
The Awards Ceremony: A Celebration of Creative Excellence
The Humanitas Prizes Awards Show & Toast is scheduled for September 9th at Avalon Hollywood. The event will be hosted by the talented writer, actor, and comedian Ashley Nicole Black, promising a night of celebration for creative excellence in storytellin
