It’s well deserved!
Film producer Charles D. King has etched his name in history as the first Black producer to accept The Producers Guild of America’s (PGA) Milestone Award. This prestigious accolade, reserved for entertainment industry trailblazers, is a testament to King’s groundbreaking contributions to the industry, inspiring a new generation of diverse storytellers.
King is the founder and CEO of MACRO, a media company dedicated to amplifying the voices and work of Black, indigenous and people of color. MACRO’s influence stretches across multiple avenues, including film, television, streaming, and creative. It not only finances and develops work but also serves as an in-house branding and creative firm, paving the way for more inclusive and diverse entertainment industry offerings.
The veteran industry powerhouse got his start as a partner and senior agent at William Morris Endeavor (WME), formerly making history as the first Black partner at any major talent agency and the first in the company’s century+year history, PGA reports. Over the years, King has continued to leave a lasting imprint on the industry, racking up a roster of notable clients across the industry and producing recent award-winning work like Judas And The Black Messiah and They Cloned Tyrone. MACRO’s work has earned an impressive fifteen Academy Award nominations, three Oscar wins, a Peabody Award nomination, one Grammy nomination, and two Primetime Emmy nominations.
King’s impact extends beyond the silver screen. He is an active philanthropist, a board member of The Sundance Institute, College Track, and The American Cinematheque, and a member of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and The Television Academy. His dedication to social causes is a testament to his character and a source of inspiration for all.
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He recently joined his peers and PGA execs to accept the historic award. He shared a clip from his acceptance speech on social media, admitting he was both shocked and grateful. He went on to thank producers, executives, his parents, wife, and ancestors who paved the way for him.
“What an incredibly beautiful night we had at the [PGA Awards]! The historical significance of being the first African-American to win the PGA’s Milestone Award wasn’t lost on me as I stood steps away from where Stacey and I lived when I started my career as an assistant at WME. I was in awe as my brother and dear friend Ryan Coogler graciously presented me with this year’s award,” King wrote.
“Nine years ago, I took the biggest leap of faith when we established MACRO with the immeasurable support of my rock Stacey, our family, [and] an amazing village of colleagues, partners, investors, collaborators, artists and executives. Because of all of them, I get to wake up every day and fulfill my mission in life. I am immensely grateful,” he continued.
King now joins past recipients of the illustrious award, including Walt Disney, Alfred Hitchcock, Steven Spielberg, Bob Iger, Clint Eastwood, James Cameron, Kathleen Kennedy, and more.
“Charles King’s achievements in our industry are undeniable whether as an agent representing important voices or as the producer responsible for the growing empire that is MACRO, a multi-platform media company that represents the voice and perspectives of Black people and persons of color,” said PGA Presidents Stephanie Allain and Donald De Line in a joint statement.
Cover photo: Charles D. King Makes History as the First African-American to Win the PGA’s Milestone Award/Photo by @IAmCharlesDKing/ProducersGuild/Instagram