Quinta Brunson, the brilliant mind behind ABC’s beloved comedy series “Abbott Elementary,” is set to be honored with the prestigious Variety Showrunner Award at the upcoming 14th annual SCAD TVfest. Taking place in Atlanta from February 4 to February 6, this festival celebrates the best and brightest in television.
“Abbott Elementary,” a joint production between Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, is currently in its fifth season and has garnered widespread acclaim, receiving nominations for esteemed awards such as the Critics Choice Award for Comedy Series and Golden Globes for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy. The show’s talented cast was also recognized with an Actors Award for Cast Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
Quinta Brunson has made history with her groundbreaking work on “Abbott Elementary.” In 2022, she became the first solo Black woman to win an Emmy Award for comedy writing. The following year, she made history once again as the first Black actress in over 40 years to win lead comedy actress, only the second ever to do so. Brunson’s Emmy success continued in 2025, earning her three comedy writing nominations for a single series, making her the first Black woman to achieve this feat. Additionally, her fourth acting nomination solidified her as the third-most nominated Black woman for lead comedy actress.
Emily Longeretta, senior TV features editor at Variety, praised Brunson’s work, stating, “With ‘Abbott Elementary,’ Quinta Brunson has come up with a show that should be considered right up there with some of the greatest sitcoms of all time.” She went on to highlight the show’s exceptional cast, storytelling, and humor, emphasizing why “Abbott” stands out as a top-tier series.
SCAD’s Executive Director of Theaters and Festivals, Christina Routhier, commended Brunson for redefining the landscape of television with her innovative approach to storytelling in “Abbott Elementary.” The series has struck a chord with audiences through its sharp humor, heartfelt narratives, and authentic portrayal of educators. Brunson’s ability to blend comedy with genuine insight has reshaped the modern sitcom, earning her well-deserved recognition with the Variety Showrunner Award at SCAD TVfest.
In addition to her work on “Abbott Elementary,” Quinta Brunson has showcased her talents in various projects, including voicing Dr. Fuzzby in Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Zootopia 2” and starring in upcoming films like Warner Bros.’ “Cat in the Hat” and Universal Pictures’ “Par for the Course” alongside Stephanie Hsu.
The award ceremony honoring Quinta Brunson will take place on February 6, featuring a special screening of an episode of “Abbott Elementary” followed by a discussion moderated by Emily Longeretta. Passes for the festival are now available for purchase on the official SCAD TVfest website, with the full lineup set to be announced on January 23, including gala premieres, panel discussions, Q&A events, and more.
Past recipients of SCAD TVfest’s Variety Showrunner Award include acclaimed creators such as the Duffer Brothers (“Stranger Things”), Charlotte Stoudt (“The Morning Show”), Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, and Lucia Aniello (“Hacks”), and Sterlin Harjo (“Reservation Dogs”). Join us in celebrating Quinta Brunson’s exceptional contributions to television at SCAD TVfest as we honor her remarkable achievements in the industry.
