Television powerhouse Shonda Rhimes will receive the Writers Guild of America, West's 2015 Paddy Chayefsy Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement. The Scandal creator will be recognized in particular for her vocal commitment to diversifying television for race and women.
Named after one of the most influential writers in entertainment history, the Paddy Chayefsky Laurel Award for Television Writing Achievement is the WGAW’s highest award for television writing, given to writers who have advanced the literature of television throughout the years and made outstanding contributions to the profession of the television writer. Rhimes will be in good company — Past Television Laurel Award recipients include Steven Bochco, David Chase and Larry David.
Meanwhile, this year's breakout director Justin Simien has lined up his next project. The Dear White People helmer will tackle Make a Wish, about an NFL player asked to grant a 14-year-old's dying wish — to get laid. Anthony Mackie will play the lead role and also produce.
Check out our interview with Justin Simien below.

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(Photos from left: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images, Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Women In Film / MaxMara)