Ava DuVernay Facts & Worksheets

Ava DuVernay is an accomplished filmmaker, director, producer, and screenwriter known for her work in both film and television. Born on August 24, 1972, in Long Beach, California, she has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

See the fact file below for more information about Ava DuVernay, or you can download our 25-page Ava DuVernay worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

• DuVernay grew up in Lynwood, California, a city in Los Angeles County. She was raised by her mother, Darlene Maye, and her stepfather, Murray Maye. Her parents were both entrepreneurs, and their strong work ethic influenced her.
• Ava DuVernay attended Saint Joseph High School, a Catholic girls’ school in Lakewood, California.
• She went on to study English and African-American studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
• While at UCLA, DuVernay developed an interest in filmmaking but initially pursued a career in journalism and public relations.
• It’s worth noting that DuVernay’s path to filmmaking was not a direct one. Her early career included working in public relations and marketing, where she gained valuable skills in storytelling and promotion.

FILM CAREER

• Ava DuVernay’s film career has been marked by a series of significant achievements and impactful works. She has established herself as a talented filmmaker known for addressing important social and cultural issues through her storytelling. Here are some key highlights of her film career:
• Early Documentary Work: DuVernay began her filmmaking career by directing and producing documentaries. One of her early works, “This Is the Life” (2008), explored the underground hip-hop scene in Los Angeles and received critical acclaim.
• Middle of Nowhere (2012): This feature film marked a turning point in DuVernay’s career. “Middle of Nowhere” is a drama that tells the story of a woman struggling to maintain her identity and support her incarcerated husband. The film won her the Best Director Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, making her the first African-American woman to receive that honor.
• Selma (2014): “Selma” is perhaps Ava DuVernay’s most well-known film. It chronicles the civil rights movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s campaign for equal voting rights. The film received widespread critical acclaim and earned several award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.
• 13th (2016): DuVernay directed the documentary “13th,” which explores the history of racial inequality and mass incarceration in the United States. This thought-provoking documentary received widespread acclaim and was nominated for an Academy Award.
• A Wrinkle in Time (2018): DuVernay directed Disney’s adaptation of the classic novel “A Wrinkle in Time.” This high-profile project made her the first Black woman to direct a live-action film with a budget exceeding $100 million. 
• The film aimed to inspire young audiences with its message of self-empowerment and diversity.
• Colin in Black & White (2021): DuVernay co-created and produced this Netflix limited series, which focuses on the early life and experiences of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The series addresses issues of race, identity, and activism.
• Others: When They See Us (2019), Cherish the Day (2020).
• Throughout her film career, Ava DuVernay has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry. Her work often tackles important social justice issues and highlights underrepresented voices, making her a prominent figure in both filmmaking and activism.

ADVOCACY

• Her advocacy efforts have had a significant impact and have helped raise awareness about important issues. Here are some key aspects of Ava DuVernay’s advocacy:
• Diversity and Inclusivity: DuVernay has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in Hollywood. She has consistently spoken out about the lack of representation, both in front of and behind the camera and has actively worked to create opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and people of color.
• ARRAY: DuVernay founded ARRAY, a grassroots film distribution and advocacy collective, in 2011. 
• ARRAY focuses on amplifying the work of women and filmmakers of color. Through ARRAY, she has distributed and promoted independent films that might not have otherwise received mainstream attention.
• #Oscarssowhite: In response to the lack of diversity in the nominations for the Academy Awards, DuVernay was an outspoken supporter of the #Oscarssowhite movement, which called attention to the underrepresentation of people of color in the film industry. She used her platform to advocate for change within the industry.
• Queen Sugar: DuVernay’s television series “Queen Sugar” is known for its commitment to hiring female directors and directors of color. She has actively mentored and provided opportunities for emerging talent in the industry.
• Prison Reform: Through her documentary “13th,” DuVernay shed light on the issue of mass incarceration in the United States. The film sparked important conversations about criminal justice reform, systemic racism, and the need for change in the prison system.
• Educational Initiatives: DuVernay has also been involved in educational initiatives, such as creating educational toolkits and study guides for her films to encourage discussions about social justice issues in classrooms.
• Social Media Activism: Ava DuVernay is active on social media platforms like Twitter, where she often shares her thoughts on current events, social justice issues, and the importance of storytelling as a means of effecting change. 
• She has used her large following to engage in meaningful conversations and amplify important voices.
• Intersectionality: DuVernay’s advocacy often emphasizes the intersectionality of various social justice issues, recognizing that gender, race, and other factors intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and inequality.

AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

Academy Awards (Oscars)

• Nomination for Best Picture for “Selma” (2014)

Emmy Awards

• Nominated for Outstanding Directing for a Limited Series, Movie, or Dramatic Special for “When They See Us” (2019)
• Nominated for Outstanding Limited Series for “When They See Us” (2019)

Golden Globe Awards

• Nominated for Best Director – Motion Picture for “Selma” (2014)

BAFTA Awards:

• Nominated for Best Director for “Selma” (2014)

Sundance Film Festival:

• Winner of the Best Director Prize for “Middle of Nowhere” (2012)

Critics’ Choice Movie Awards:

• Nominated for Best Director for “Selma” (2014)

Directors Guild of America (DGA) Awards:

• Nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for “Selma” (2014)

Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards:

• Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for “Selma” (2014)

NAACP Image Awards:

• Winner of various awards, including Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture for “Selma” (2014) and the President’s Award for her contributions to the entertainment industry

African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards:

• Winner of Best Director for “Selma” (2014)

Peabody Awards:

• Winner for “13th” (2016)

Ava DuVernay Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Ava DuVernay across 25 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Ava DuVernay. Born on August 24, 1972, in Long Beach, California, she has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry, particularly in promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Ava duVernay Facts
2. Ava’s Life on Film
3. Middle of Nowhere
4. Selma (2014)
5. 13th, A Documentary
6. Ava’s Advocacies
7. Requirements of a Filmmaker
8. A Film Poster
9. Sending Messages Across
10. Think Like a Filmmaker
11. Great Women Filmmakers

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ava DuVernay?

Ava DuVernay is a renowned American filmmaker, writer, producer, and director. She is known for her work in both independent and mainstream cinema and has gained recognition for her contributions to the film and television industry.

What is Ava DuVernay best known for in her career?

Ava DuVernay is best known for directing the critically acclaimed film “Selma” (2014), which depicts the historic civil rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She has also gained significant attention for her work in the documentary genre, particularly “13th” (2016), which explores the history of racial inequality in the United States.

What are some of Ava DuVernay’s notable projects in television?

Ava DuVernay has been involved in several prominent television projects, including the series “Queen Sugar,” which she created and directed, as well as the miniseries “When They See Us” (2019), which is based on the Central Park Five case and received critical acclaim.

How has Ava DuVernay contributed to diversity and inclusion in the film industry?

Ava DuVernay is a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the film and television industry. She founded ARRAY, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes the work of female and minority filmmakers. She has also worked to increase opportunities for underrepresented groups in the entertainment industry.

Has Ava DuVernay received any awards or honors for her work?

Yes, Ava DuVernay has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. She became the first African American woman to win the Best Director Prize at the Sundance Film Festival for her film “Middle of Nowhere.” She has also been nominated for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards for her work in both film and television. Additionally, she has been recognized for her activism and advocacy for social justice issues.=

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