Two-time Grammy winner, frequent Beyoncé collaborator, and “Insecure” director and exec producer Melina Matsoukas has been named as the 2019 recipient of the Franklin J. Schaffner Alumni Medal. The award is given in recognition of “the extraordinary creative talents of AFI Conservatory alumni who embody the qualities of filmmaker Franklin J. Schaffner: talent, taste, dedication, and commitment to quality storytelling in film and television.”
Matsoukas won Grammy Awards for Rihanna’s “We Found Love” and Beyoncé’s “Formation” music videos, and helmed the “Thanksgiving” episode of “Master of None” for which Lena Waithe won an Emmy for co-writing. She’s re-teaming with Waithe on her feature directorial debut, “Queen & Slim.” Waithe penned the script for the “Bonnie and Clyde”-like story about a black couple who go on an ill-fated date.
Previous recipients of the Franklin J. Schaffner Medal include Patty Jenkins, Lesli Linka Glatter, and Mimi Leder.
Matsoukas will be presented with the honor at the AFI Life Achievement Award Tribute to Denzel Washington, set to take place June 6 in Hollywood.
