Elizabeth Banks to receive 2019 Pioneer of the Year Award

Elizabeth Banks has become the first female director to be honoured with the Pioneer of the Year Award by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation.

According to Deadline, the actor-director will receive the award on September 25 at the Pioneer of the Year Dinner -- the annual fundraiser benefiting the WRMPPF's Pioneers Assistance Fund (PAF) which provides financial support to individuals in the theatre community facing illness, injury or other life-changing events -- at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.

The Pioneer of the Year Award is given each year to a member of the film industry with outstanding leadership, service and commitment to philanthropy.

"We are delighted to recognise Elizabeth's achievements in the motion picture industry with this well-deserved honour," said Kyle Davies, President of WRMPPF announcing Banks as this year's recipient.

"Her contributions to the film business as an actress, director, and producer, along with her tremendous advocacy and support of women in our community and beyond, demonstrates leadership, vision, and inspires audiences everywhere. We look forward to celebrating Elizabeth's career achievements and philanthropic contributions at the Pioneer of the Year Dinner, as well as raising much needed funds for the Pioneers Assistance Fund," Davies added.

In response to the announcement, the Banks tweeted, "Excited to help raise $ for the Pioneers Assistance Fund and join this incredible list of honourees."