Women's History Month 2026
Honoring Influential Black Women
Ava DuVernay
(1972– )
Filmmaker • Producer • Cultural Visionary
Raised in Los Angeles, Ava DuVernay is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has reshaped storytelling in Hollywood. Her films and series—including Selma, 13th, and When They See Us—bring powerful attention to justice, history, and social change. In 2023, DuVernay directed Origin, a thought-provoking adaptation of Isabel Wilkerson’s exploration of caste and inequality. Through her company ARRAY, she continues to champion diverse voices and expand opportunities for filmmakers worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Born: August 24, 1972 — Long Beach, CA
- Director of Selma, 13th, When They See Us, and Origin
- Founder, ARRAY film collective
- First Black woman to direct a film nominated for Best Picture
- Advocate for inclusive storytelling in global cinema