David E. Kelley to Receive International Emmy Founders Award

David E. Kelley, the writer and producer behind shows such as Ally McBeal, L.A. Law and Big Little Lies, is to receive the 2024 International Emmy Founders Award at the 52nd International Emmy Awards Gala.

Kelley is the creator of the Emmy-, Peabody- and Golden Globe Award-winning shows Boston Legal, The Practice and Ally McBeal, as well as the dramas Big Little Lies, Boston Public, Chicago Hope and Picket Fences. This year, Kelley produced Presumed Innocent, which held the top spot on Apple TV+, and A Man in Full, which reached number one among Netflix’s top ten most-watched shows in the U.S.

To date, Kelley is the only producer to ever win the Emmy Award for outstanding comedy and outstanding drama, for Ally McBeal and The Practice, respectively, in the same year (1999).

“Every generation has a favorite David E. Kelley show, and that’s because David Kelley has been turning out television hits since L.A. Law 40 years ago,” said Bruce L. Paisner, president and CEO of the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “He crafts memorable television for viewers across the globe. We look forward to recognizing his tremendous talent with the Founders Award.”

“To be recognized by the International Academy in this way is truly overwhelming,” said Kelley. “This award stands as a testament to the incredible teams and individuals I have had the honor to collaborate with over the years. I am especially grateful for the many opportunities I’ve been given in being able to share stories and push boundaries of what television can be.”