Disney Entertainment co-chair Dana Walden has been tapped to receive the 2025 International Emmy Founders Award, the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced Monday. Walden will be presented the honor at the 53rd International Emmy Awards event in New York on Monday, Nov. 24.
Walden was chosen for this year’s award “in honor of her transformative impact on the media and entertainment industry, and the incredible global impact of the shows she has overseen,” the org said in announcing her as this year’s recipient.
“Dana Walden’s contributions to entertainment are truly remarkable, having shaped the creation and success of numerous iconic and award-winning television series,” said International Academy president/CEO Bruce L. Paisner. “Her leadership, first as CEO of Fox Television Group and now as co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, has played a pivotal role in influencing the global industry. We are delighted to recognize her exceptional work and lasting impacts with the Founders Award.”
Walden, considered a top candidate to succeed Bob Iger as CEO of the Disney empire, has recently earned kudos including the Milestone Award at the 2025 Producers Guild Awards. She also has been inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame, was named MIPCOM Personality of the Year, included in the 2024 CNBC Changemakers: Women Transforming Business list, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Harvard Undergraduate Women in Business.
“It’s an extraordinary privilege to be recognized by the International Academy,” Walden said in a statement. “I’ve worked with some of the most talented creators and executives in the world – people who care deeply about storytelling and its power to connect audiences across the globe. This recognition reflects their passion and dedication, and I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
As head of Disney’s global entertainment media, news and content businesses, Walden also shares oversight of Disney+ and Hulu; Disney+ now operates in more than 150 countries and 40 languages. Last year, the Walt Disney Company received 60 Primetime Emmy Awards, which it noted was the most wins in a year by a single company.
Walden joined Disney as part of its acquisition of the 20th Century Fox assets; she was previously CEO of Fox Television Group. Walden has overseen the production and development of hit programs including “24,” “Abbott Elementary,” “The Americans,” “American Horror Story,” “American Idol,” “The Bear,” “Dancing with the Stars,” “Family Guy,” “Glee,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Homeland,” “The Kardashians,” “Modern Family,” “Only Murders in the Building,” “Percy Jackson and the Olympians,” “Shōgun,” “The Simpsons” and “This Is Us,” and more.
Walden joins a list of past International Emmy Founders Award honorees include Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, J.J. Abrams, Jesse Armstrong, Shonda Rhimes, Ryan Murphy and David E. Kelley. Variety is a partner in the event, along with Ay Yapim, CJ ENM, Dubai Studios, Ernst & Young, Globo, Mediafellows, Miptv, Plural and Sofitel.
