Ken Burns Receives $250,000 Rubenstein Prize for American History Contributions
The documentary filmmaker is the inaugural winner of the award for promoting knowledge and understanding of American history.
Documentary maker Ken Burns has been awarded the inaugural David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History, a $250,000 honor recognizing his significant contributions to the field. The New York Historical presented the award.
A prize jury, which included Pulitzer Prize winners Annette Gordon-Reed and Jon Meacham, cited Burns for work that “reflects our highest aspirations.” The jury's statement noted that Burns' films, which have covered subjects such as the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Vietnam War, consistently ask the question, “Who are we as Americans?” and have brought the nation's history to a wide audience.
Burns, 73, stated in a press release that he was “hugely appreciative and humbled.” He added, “Our films rely on the work of generations of historians and archivists and what amounts to a collective conversation about who we are as a people. I am very fortunate to be part of this conversation about a country I love.”
The Rubenstein Prize was established this year by financier, philanthropist, and Baltimore Orioles owner David M. Rubenstein. The award aims to celebrate and encourage the ongoing exploration and understanding of American history.