Sheryl Lee Ralph to Receive Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at Gotham Television Awards
Sheryl Lee Ralph is set to be honored with the prestigious Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at the upcoming second annual Gotham Television Awards. The Gotham will recognize Ralph for her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly her groundbreaking work on ABC’s hit show “Abbott Elementary.”
Established in 2023 by The Gotham in collaboration with the Poitier family and led by Gotham Board member Colman Domingo, the Sidney Poitier Initiative aims to celebrate the legendary actor, director, and activist Sidney Poitier by supporting inclusive programs that promote diversity and inclusion in film and media careers for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
Jeffrey Sharp, executive director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute, praised Ralph’s remarkable career spanning across film, television, and stage, highlighting her recent acclaimed performance as Barbara Howard in “Abbott Elementary.” He emphasized Ralph’s embodiment of Sidney Poitier’s values of purpose, dignity, and excellence, making her a deserving recipient of the Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute.
Ralph’s accolades include winning the 2022 Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series and the Critics’ Choice Award for best supporting actress in a Comedy Series. She has also received multiple Emmy nominations for her role in “Abbott Elementary.” Ralph gained recognition on television for her role in UPN’s “Moesha,” where she starred alongside Grammy Award winner Brandy in over 100 episodes.
At just 20 years old, Ralph made her feature film debut opposite Sidney Poitier in Warner Bros.’ “A Piece of the Action,” directed by Poitier himself. She went on to star in various films alongside renowned actors such as Denzel Washington, Robert De Niro, Danny Glover, and Eddie Murphy. On Broadway, Ralph made a significant impact starring in “Dreamgirls” and recently portrayed Madame Morrible in “Wicked,” making history as the first African American actress to take on the role.
In addition to honoring Sheryl Lee Ralph, the second annual Gotham Television Awards will also recognize Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Elisabeth Moss, and the cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale” with various tributes and awards. The winners will be celebrated at the awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, June 2, with a live stream available on Variety’s YouTube channel.
Stay tuned for the exciting event as the industry comes together to celebrate the outstanding achievements in television at the Gotham Television Awards.
