Ryan Murphy to be Honored at Critics' Choice Television Awards

The Broadcast Television Journalists Association (BTJA) today announced that critically acclaimed, award-winning television and film screenwriter, director and producer Ryan Murphy will receive the Critics' Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award, established to honor an icon in the television industry, at the 4th annual Critics' Choice Television Awards (CCTA). Hosted by actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer (The Soul Man, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, The Original Kings of Comedy), the Critics' Choice Television Awards will air live on The CW from the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday, June 19, 2014 (8:00pm ET/8:00pm PT).

Originally a journalist writing for publications such as The Miami Herald, The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly and New York Daily News, Murphy has become one of television's most celebrated creators. He is Emmy Award-winning creator, writer and director of FX's Emmy-winning original miniseries American Horror Story, Screen Actors Guild, Emmy Award-winning FOX series smash hit Gleeand FX's award-winning original drama series Nip/Tuck. Murphy's latest directorial project was the HBO adaptation of Larry Kramer's award-winning The Normal Heart, which premiered May 25, 2014 and stars Mark Ruffalo, Julia Roberts and Matt Bomer. The Normal Heart is nominated for five CCTAs including "Best Movie," and American Horror Story: Coven is a contender in three categories, including "Best Mini-Series."

Also announced today were the honorees in the Most Exciting New Series category, judged from pilots, early episodes and trailers for any announced series premiering after May 1, 2014:

· Extant - CBS

· Gotham - FOX

· Halt and Catch Fire - AMC

· The Leftovers - HBO

· Outlander - Starz

· Penny Dreadful - Showtime

· The Strain - FX

"From poignant reality-based movies to dark and Twisted horror to musical theater, Ryan Murphy's creativity knows no bounds," said Joey Berlin, BTJA President. "It is a privilege to be able to recognize the incredible talent and breadth of work that he has developed for television viewers thus far in his career, and we look forward to seeing what lies ahead."

"LOUIS XIII is celebrated globally as an unrivaled blend of Cognac and is committed to recognizing genius talent in various creative areas," said Augustin Depardon, Global Brand Director LOUIS XIII. "The Critics' Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award recognizes unbridled excellence in the television arts, and by honoring Ryan Murphy, LOUIS XIII and the Broadcast Television Journalists Association wish to honor the genius blend of television genres that make up Murphy's body of work."

Best known for the Critics' Choice Movie Awards, now going into its 20th year, the Broadcast Film Critics Association established BTJA and the Critics' Choice Television Awards in 2011 on behalf of television journalists working in electronic media to celebrate outstanding work in television. In addition to honoring the best shows and performers from the previous season in Drama, Comedy, Reality, Movie, Mini Series, Animated and Talk Show categories, the Critics' Choice Television Awards also spotlights the Most Exciting New Series premiering in the coming months, judging from pilots and early episodes. Nominated programs and performances aired between June 1, 2013 and May 31, 2014.

Red-carpet preshow, "Live from the Critics' Choice Television Awards," will begin at 6:00pm ET/6:00pm PT and will air on flagship station KTLA as well as many other CW/Tribune Affiliates across the country.

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