2023 Special Award: Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Bridgerton, has had her award-winning work as a television creator, producer, and author recognised with a BAFTA Special Award.

Rhimes received the award on Wednesday, 3 May, 2023, at a special event honouring her in New York. The exclusive and intimate evening took place at The Midnight Theatre and featured an unfiltered fireside chat with Shonda Rhimes that was moderated by author and journalist Wajahat Ali.

“When I heard [about winning the award] I was stunned, because I don’t even think I had dreamt that big. Truly when I was a kid there’s no way I thought I was going to ever be anywhere like this – I thought I was going to be writing stories in the closet,” said Rhimes.

Shonda Rhimes pictured on the red carpet arriving at the BAFTA Honours Shonda Rhimes event

Credit: Jason Mendez/Getty Images for BAFTA

Shonda Rhimes speaks onstage

Credit: Hoda Davaine/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA

Shonda Rhimes and Wajahat Ali spoke onstage during the BAFTA Honours Shonda Rhimes event at The Midnight Theatre, New York

Credit: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for BAFTA

This award, specifically the BAFTAs, they mean so much and to get this one in particular just means everything.

Shonda Rhimes

Shondaland stars were there to support

In the audience were Shondaland stars Tony Goldwyn, Bellamy Young, Tom Verica, Charlie Weber, Conrad Ricamora, and stars of the Netflix series Queen Charlotte – Golda Rosheuvel, Arsema Thomas, Sam Clemmett. Plus industry professionals, BAFTA Members, and participants of BAFTA North America’s Learning, Inclusion, and Talent programs.

The conversation topics ranged from Shonda’s beginnings as an aspiring author in Chicago, the importance of mentorship in this industry, current events, and what the future holds for Shonda Rhimes and Shondaland.

“This was a momentous occasion for BAFTA North America. What a delight to honor one of the greatest television creators of all time and have her share such wisdom, personal stories, and advice during an insightful conversation. The room was electric and Shonda left guests feeling inspired by her monumental achievements,” said Kathryn Busby, Chair of the BAFTA North America Board.

Following the fireside chat, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception where attendees continued celebrating with specialty cocktails from Diageo, champagne from Veuve Clicquot, and a gorgeous Queen Charlotte photo booth from Netflix.

What is the BAFTA special Award?

A BAFTA Special Award is one of the academy’s highest honours recognising an outstanding contribution to film, games or TV. You can see more recipients in our Awards database.

For more inspiring stories from the world of film, games and TV, explore our BAFTA Award Stories section.