It’s been a big year for America Ferrera: The “Barbie” star just received her first Academy Award nomination, and her directorial debut is now in development at Amazon MGM Studios’ Orion Pictures.

Now, the actor, producer and author is being honored by the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) as the recipient of its second annual Multihyphenate Award. The award celebrates artists whose career embraces versatility and innovation in the multifaceted landscape of the entertainment world.

“I’m honored to receive the Multihyphenate Award,” said Ferrera. “Since my days at USC I have had the privilege to explore my many passions and interests. I’ve created my own path by staying true to all the different things I care about and love doing. We do not need to limit our creative lives to neat job titles. I hope students feel inspired to explore the diverse facets within themselves in order to find their own unique paths.”

“America Ferrera’s remarkable journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling,” said Dr. Emily Roxworthy, Dean of the USC School of Dramatic Arts. “As the recipient of the Multihyphenate Award, America embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience that we aim to instill in our students. Her impact goes beyond the screen, inspiring the next generation of storytellers to embrace diversity, creativity, and the limitless possibilities within the realm of dramatic arts.”

Last year, Mindy Kaling was honored with the inaugural award in an event that marked the commencement of SDA’s Multihyphenate Masterclass Series. The series, which has included Colman Domingo, Judith Light and more, aims to empower students with the skills and knowledge needed to sustain careers as working artists in entertainment today.

Ferrera will be feted on Feb. 11 in USC’s Bing Theatre, in an event also featuring a Q&A session moderated by the head of USC’s Dramatic Writing program Luis Alfaro, a distinguished Chicano playwright and associate professor. The discussion will cover Ferrera’s multifaceted career and the art of being a multihyphenate artist. The event is exclusively open to current USC students.

Source: Variety