The Gotham Film & Media Institute announced today that television writer, creator, producer, and former attorney David E. Kelley will receive the Visionary Tribute for Apple TV+’s acclaimed legal thriller “Presumed Innocent” at the Second Annual Gotham Television Awards, taking place live and in person on Monday, June 2nd at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City and livestreaming on Variety’s YouTube channel.
The Visionary Tribute recognizes boundary-pushing work that will inspire the next generation of storytellers. With this tribute, the Gothams will honor both Kelley’s extensive television career and the creation of Apple TV+’s “Presumed Innocent,” which transforms one of the most celebrated bestsellers and box office hits into something truly distinctive and gripping.
“David’s commitment to crafting complex characters, tackling difficult social issues, and consistently elevating television as an art form embodies the spirit of innovation that The Gotham champions,” said Jeffrey Sharp, Executive Director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute. “From his extraordinary breakout writing on L.A. Law to creating cultural touchstones such as “Doogie Howser, M.D.,” “Picket Fences,” “Ally McBeal,” “The Practice,” and “Big Little Lies,” David has been instrumental in bringing to the screen some of the most acclaimed and successful series in television history. With the Visionary Tribute, we’re proud to celebrate not only his remarkable achievement of “Presumed Innocent,” but also the high bar of excellence he has set for all creators in our community.”
David E. Kelley is renowned for creating acclaimed legal and medical dramas. After graduating from Princeton University and Boston University School of Law, Kelley briefly practiced law before Steven Bochco hired him as a writer for L.A. Law in 1986, launching his entertainment career. Kelley has created over twenty-five successful series, including “Picket Fences,” “Chicago Hope,” “The Practice,” “Ally McBeal,” “Boston Legal,” “Big Little Lies,” “The Undoing,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and is currently in production for Apple TV+’s highly anticipated “Margo’s Got Money Troubles.” Spanning networks and streaming platforms, his work has demonstrated remarkable versatility across decades.
Known for his extraordinary productivity, Kelley has frequently written entire seasons single-handedly. His creative work has earned multiple Emmy Awards, Peabody Awards, and Golden Globes. His shows are particularly celebrated for addressing complex social issues like racism, sexism, ethical dilemmas in medicine and law, and mental health through compelling characters and thought-provoking storylines.
Now streaming globally on Apple TV+, “Presumed Innocent” follows a horrific murder that upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office when one of its own is suspected of the crime, leaving the accused fighting to keep his family together. After premiering to critical acclaim, the series was renewed for a second season.
It was previously announced that Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, as well as Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, will receive Creator Tributes, Elisabeth Moss and the cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale” will receive the inaugural Ensemble Tribute, Brian Tyree Henry will receive the Performer Tribute, and Sheryl Lee Ralph will receive the Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at the Second Annual Gotham Television Awards. At the inaugural Gotham Television Awards ceremony, “Baby Reindeer,” a unique exploration of stalking and buried traumas created by and starring Richard Gadd, won Breakthrough Limited Series while “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” created by Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover and inspired by the 2005 spy movie, won Breakthrough Drama Series. “Colin from Accounts,” the romcom in which two singles are brought together by a car accident involving a dog, took home the Breakthrough Series Comedy award.
The nominations in the twelve competitive award categories were previously announced. Winners of the Second Annual Gotham Television Awards will be announced and honored at the awards ceremony at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, June 2nd, which will be livestreamed on Variety’s YouTube channel. The Premier Sponsor of the 2025 Gotham Television Awards is Vanity Fair.
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