Greg Berlanti and Jennifer Aniston will be honored at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s upcoming 4th Annual Patron of the Artists Awards in November. They join previously announced honorees Ava DuVernay and Mark Ruffalo.
Berlanti and DuVernay, two of the most prolific writer/director/producers in the industry, will receive the Foundation’s two Patron of the Artists Awards for “creating significant professional opportunities for performing artists to work and thrive,” according to a Foundation press release issued Thursday.
Aniston and Ruffalo’s philanthropic contributions will be recognized with the two Artists Inspiration Awards of the evening.
“We are honored to present Jennifer Aniston with one of our Artists Inspiration Awards at this year’s Patron of the Artists Awards. Her celebrated iconic roles in television and film are beloved by audiences all over the world, but it is her philanthropy and genuine empathy for people in need that we will honor on November 7. From her tireless work as a spokesperson for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to her advocacy work for cancer research, Jennifer sets a sterling example for all artists to use their influence to give back to others,” said JoBeth Williams, SAG-AFTRA Foundation Board President.
“We are also thrilled to be honoring Greg Berlanti, one of the most prolific writers, directors and producers working in Hollywood today, with one of our Patron of the Artists Awards,” Williams added. “Greg has discovered, nurtured and propelled creative talent in front of the camera and below the line. With an astounding 18 scripted series to his credit, Greg’s ensemble-based shows have launched the careers of countless actors. His creative contributions to the industry not only create new narrative universes, but they are responsible for generating hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs in Hollywood.”
Previous SAG-AFTRA Foundation Patron of the Artists Award honorees include Ted Sarandos, Spike Lee, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Lee Daniels, Kathryn Bigelow, Judd Apatow, Megan Ellison and Rob Marshall. Previous SAG-AFTRA Foundation Artists Inspiration Award honorees include Lady Gaga, Harrison Ford, Kate Winslet, Lionel Richie and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The annual awards show will benefit the non-profit SAG-AFTRA Foundation and will not be televised. The Foundation benefits emergency assistance and free educational programs for SAG-AFTRA artists as well as the children’s literacy program Storyline Online.