Dana Walden to receive 2025 International Emmy Founders Award

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced that Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment Dana Walden will receive the 2025 International Emmy Founders Award in honor of her transformative impact on the media and entertainment industry, and the incredible global impact of the shows she has overseen. Walden will accept the special Emmy in New York City on Monday, Nov. 24, at the International Emmy Awards black-tie gala.

Walden oversees The Walt Disney Company’s full portfolio of entertainment media, news, and content businesses globally, including shared oversight of Disney+ and Hulu, as well as technology and ad sales. Under her leadership, Disney+ now operates in more than 150 countries and 40 languages. In 2024, The Walt Disney Company received 60 Emmy Awards, breaking the record for the most wins in a year by a single company.

“Dana Walden’s contributions to entertainment are truly remarkable, having shaped the creation and success of numerous iconic and award-winning television series,” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “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.”

“It’s an extraordinary privilege to be recognized by the International Academy,” said Walden. “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.”

Prior to joining Disney, Walden was CEO of Fox Television Group, where she led Fox Broadcasting Company from fourth place to first. Over the course of her career, Walden has overseen the production and development of several history-making series and franchises, including “24,” “Abbott Elementary,” “The Americans,” “American Horror Story,” “American Idol,” “The Bear,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Family Guy,” “Glee,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Homeland,” “The Kardashians,” “Modern Family,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” “Shōgun,” “The Simpsons” and “This Is Us,” among many others. Past recipients of the International Emmy® Founders Award include Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, J.J. Abrams, Jesse Armstrong, Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy, and David E. Kelley, among many others.