'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wAARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMH/8QAIBAAAgIBAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMCBAAFERIGByExof/EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/xAAcEQABAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMEAhEyUbH/2gAMAwEAAhEDEQA/AMn0brlml2FwZWJsVGsnFq58Zc9tokSABGxH3LO7n3XOY109RLJyMpEXZez5OMYKqK1bEakhzfD/2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Dana Walden, currently the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, will be awarded the 2025 International Emmy Founders Award, joining a list of past recipients that includes Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Shonda Rhimes, and many more.
Walden will be awarded at the 53rd International Emmy Awards gala that will take place on November 24, 2025, in New York. The award, presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, will honour Dana Walden's “transformative impact” in the field and the global reach attained by many series overseen by her.
The official announcement made by Academy president and CEO Bruce L. Paisner read as follows:
“Dana Walden’s contributions to entertainment are truly remarkable, having shaped the creation and success of numerous iconic and award-winning television series.''
“Her leadership, first as CEO of Fox Television Group and now as co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, has played a pivotal role in influencing the global industry. We are delighted to recognize her exceptional work and lasting impacts with the Founders Award.”
More on Walden's honour in our story.
Dana Walden to receive the International Emmy Founders Award
Before her position at Disney Entertainment, Walden was the chairman and CEO of Fox Television Group. During her time, Fox Broadcasting Company went from fourth to first place in ratings. 20th Century Fox Television and Fox 21 Television Studios also flourished under Walden's leadership.
At Fox, Walden had overseen the productions of now-global hits like The Bear, Only Murders in the Building, This Is Us, Shogun, Abbott Elementary, American Horror Story, Grey's Anatomy, and many more.
After replacing Peter Rice as Chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content in June 2022, she became the chairman of Disney Entertainment. Responsible for Global streaming and television, Dana Walden currently leads ABC, ABC News, Hulu Originals, FX, Onyx Collective, and many more. In 2024, Disney earned a total of 183 Emmy Award nominations (winning 60) and created a new record for most wins in a single year by one company.
This year, Disney earned a total of 137 Emmy nominations for titles, which include Agatha All Along, The Simpsons, The Rookie, The Bear, Andor, and many more.
Expressing her gratitude for this Emmy honour, Walden said in a statement:
“I’ve worked with some of the most talented creators and executives in the world — people who care deeply about storytelling and its power to connect audiences across the globe. This recognition reflects their passion and dedication, and I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
According to a report by CNBC, Dana Walden was in the running to become Disney's CEO in April 2024. If chosen, she would be the first female CEO of Disney in its 100-year history.
In her personal life, Walden has been married to Matt, a business executive, since 1995. The couple has two daughters and currently lives in Brentwood, Los Angeles.
Trending
For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.
Also Read: The Bear might lose the comedy crown to The Studio this Emmy season, here's why
Reply
