Lesli Linka Glatter is set to receive an honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts from the American Film Institute (AFI). A press release announced that the prolific director will be recognized for her “contributions to the art of the moving image” during the AFI Conservatory’s commencement ceremony on June 10 in Hollywood.
“AFI Commencement inspires us each year as we send a new class of talented artists out to share their stories with the world,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI President and CEO. “As the 50th anniversary of the AFI Conservatory, this year is a landmark, and we are honored to celebrate [Glatter and ‘First Reformed’ helmer Paul Schrader,] two master storytellers who once walked AFI’s halls and whose singular visions have helped to shape the global landscape of storytelling.”
Previous recipients of the honor include Maya Angelou, Kathryn Bigelow, and Carol Burnett.
In addition to being a seven-time Emmy nominee for her work directing and producing TV, Glatter received an Oscar nod for 1985 short “Tales of Meeting and Parting,” her thesis film for the AFI Directing Workshop for Women (DWW). She helped develop NBC’s Female Forward program, launched to support women directors.
Glatter won DGA Awards for “Homeland” and “Mad Men.” “The Walking Dead,” “House,” and “The West Wing” are also among her many TV credits. Her features include “Now and Then” and “The Proposition.” She’s set to exec produce and direct an upcoming TV adaptation of “The Banker’s Wife.” Based on Cristina Alger’s book of the same name, the Rosamund Pike-starrer is set against the world of global finance and sees two women trying to find out the truth behind a mysterious plane crash.
