Sheryl Lee Ralph to be Honored With Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at Gotham Television Awards
Sheryl Lee Ralph to Receive Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at Gotham Television Awards
Sheryl Lee Ralph is set to receive the prestigious Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at the upcoming second annual Gotham Television Awards. The Gotham will be honoring Ralph for her continued inspiration, uplifting work, and groundbreaking projects, including her role on ABC’s hit show “Abbott Elementary.”
The Gotham Television Awards, founded in 2023 by The Gotham in collaboration with the Poitier family and chaired by Gotham Board member Colman Domingo, aims to celebrate the transformative legacy of Sidney Poitier. The Sidney Poitier Initiative, established by the awards, focuses on honoring the legendary actor, director, and activist by supporting inclusive programs that promote the film and media careers of individuals and organizations from underrepresented backgrounds.
Jeffrey Sharp, the executive director of The Gotham Film & Media Institute, expressed his admiration for Sheryl Lee Ralph’s illustrious career spanning film, television, and stage. He highlighted her recent acclaimed performance as Barbara Howard in “Abbott Elementary,” stating that she has carved out a unique and significant place in entertainment history. Sharp emphasized the importance of honoring Ralph with the Sidney Poitier Icon Tribute at the Gotham Television Awards as a powerful and symbolic moment.
Ralph’s accolades include winning the 2022 Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series and the Critics’ Choice Award for best supporting actress in a Comedy Series. She received her second and third Emmy nominations in 2023 and 2024 for her role in “Abbott Elementary.” Ralph first gained recognition on television for her role alongside Brandy in UPN’s “Moesha.”
At the age of 20, Ralph made her feature film debut opposite Sidney Poitier in Warner Bros.’ “A Piece of the Action,” a film directed by Poitier himself. She went on to star in various films, including “The Mighty Quinn” with Denzel Washington, “Mistress” with Robert De Niro, “To Sleep with Anger” with Danny Glover, and “The Distinguished Gentleman” with Eddie Murphy.
In addition to her success on screen, Ralph has also made a mark on Broadway with her performance in “Dreamgirls,” earning her nominations for best actress at both the Tony and Drama Desk awards. She recently portrayed Madame Morrible in “Wicked,” becoming the first African American actress to take on the role on stage.
The upcoming Gotham Television Awards will also honor Amy Sherman-Palladino, Daniel Palladino, Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, Elisabeth Moss, and the cast of “The Handmaid’s Tale” with various tributes and awards. The winners of the 12 competitive award categories will be announced at the ceremony, which will take place at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, June 2 and will be livestreamed on Variety’s YouTube channel.
Overall, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s upcoming recognition at the Gotham Television Awards is a testament to her talent, dedication, and impact on the entertainment industry. Her contributions to film, television, and stage have solidified her as an iconic figure deserving of this prestigious accolade.
