Norman Lear, 98, to be awarded the Carol Burnett Award at the upcoming 78th Annual Golden Globes

Norman Lear, 98, set to receive the Carol Burnett Award at the upcoming 78th Annual Golden Globes in LA

Legendary producer Norman Lear is set to receive the Carol Burnett Award at the upcoming 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards, which will air on February 28th. 

The 98-year-old industry magnate will be honored for his numerous contributions to the television industry.   

Lear will be the third overall recipient of the award; it was previously given to Ellen DeGeneres in 2020 and Burnett herself in 2019. 

Being recognized: Legendary producer Norman Lear will be honored with the Carol Burnett Award at the upcoming 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards

In a press release, Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Ali Sar explained: ‘Norman Lear is among the most prolific creators of this generation.’

‘His career has encompassed both the Golden Age and Streaming Era, throughout which his progressive approach addressing controversial topics through humor prompted a cultural shift that allowed social and political issues to be reflected in television,’ he continued.

The HFPA President finished his statement by writing: ‘His work revolutionized the industry and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association is honored to name him as the 2021 Carol Burnett Award recipient.’ 

Major credits: The industry magnate will be given the distinction for his numerous contributions to the television industry; he is seen in 2020

Major credits: The industry magnate will be given the distinction for his numerous contributions to the television industry; he is seen in 2020

Lear has had a longstanding history of pushing the boundaries of the television medium.

His first major television production was the series All In The Family, which premiered on CBS in 1971.

The sitcom became popular for frequently confronting subject matter that was considered difficult to handle at the time of the show’s run. 

The cast and crew of All In The Family won numerous Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe Awards during its eight years on the air.

Breaking boundaries: Lear's first television hit was the sitcom All In The Family, which often dealt with difficult subject matter; the producer is seen with his wife Lyn at the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards in 2020

Breaking boundaries: Lear’s first television hit was the sitcom All In The Family, which often dealt with difficult subject matter; the producer is seen with his wife Lyn at the 25th Annual Critics’ Choice Awards in 2020

Lear’s second television hit was the series Sanford And Son, which debuted in 1972.

The program was based on the British series Steptoe and Son and is considered a predecessor for African-American-led television programs.

Lear went on to develop multiple groundbreaking series for decades afterwards, including Good Times, The Jeffersons and Maude.

Making moves: The industry figure is well known for his contributions to various progressive political efforts; he is seen in 2019

Making moves: The industry figure is well known for his contributions to various progressive political efforts; he is seen in 2019

In addition to his body of work, the producer is also known for his longstanding involvement in promoting progressive efforts.

Lear was also a member of the so-called Malibu Mafia, a group of wealthy Los Angeles-based individuals who funded and donated to various liberal causes.

In 2004, the industry figure founded Declare Yourself, which was a campaign to encourage voter registration among young people; it eventually merged with the nonprofit organization Our Time.

The producer has been the recipient of other awards recognizing his contributions to television, including a Peabody Lifetime Achievement Award that was granted in 2016.

High distinction: The Carol Burnett Award was given to its namesake actress in 2019 and to Ellen DeGeneres the following year; the two are pictured at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2020

High distinction: The Carol Burnett Award was given to its namesake actress in 2019 and to Ellen DeGeneres the following year; the two are pictured at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2020