Elizabeth Banks makes history as first female director to land prestigious award

Elizabeth Banks has made history as the first female director to be awarded the Pioneer of the Year Award by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.

The actress, director, and producer will receive the 2019 honor at a gala in Beverly Hills on September 25, 2019.

The Pioneer of the Year Award recipient is a filmmaker feted for his or her leadership, service, and philanthropy. It is one of the most prestigious honors in the entertainment industry.

Tom Cruise was named the Pioneer of the Year in 2018, becoming the first actor ever to receive the award.

Banks recently wrapped filming on the new Charlie’s Angels movie and previously directed Pitch Perfect 2.