Oprah Winfrey to become first black woman to receive Cecile B DeMille Award at the Golden Globes

Oprah Winfrey to become first black woman to receive Cecile B DeMille Award at the Golden Globes

Popular American actress, producer, philanthropist, media proprietor and mogul Oprah Winfrey has been selected as the recipient of 2018’s Cecil B De Mille award at the Golden Globes, in acknowledgement of her impact in the entertainment world.

President of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Meher Tatna, who votes for the Globes, declared in a statement that Winfrey embodies all characteristics of the award, adding that for generations, she has “celebrated strong female characters on and off screen and has been a role model for women and young girls for decades.”

“As a global media leader, philanthropist, producer and actress, she has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today,” she continued.

“Holding titles such as Chairman, CEO and Founder, Oprah is one of the most influential women of our time, and this honour is well deserved especially in this 75th anniversary year of the Golden Globe Awards.”

Previous winners of the accolade include Audrey Hepburn, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg. Winfrey is the first black woman to ever receive the accolade.

Since the end of her eponymous talk show in 2011, Winfrey has returned to acting with roles in Selma, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and the forthcoming blockbuster A Wrinkle in Time. She was previously nominated for a Golden Globe in 1986 for her work in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple.

As a businesswoman Winfrey is also the CEO and chairman of her own TV network, OWN, which produces series including Greenleaf and Queen Sugar.