Biography
• Ava DuVernay is the Emmy-winning director of Netflix's When They See Us, which follows the story of the Central Park Five. The four-part series not only became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows, but it also earned the streaming giant its most Emmy nominations with a total of 16. • She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary for 13th on Netflix, which also won 4 Emmy Awards out of its 8 nominations. • Her film, Selma, was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. • Her first unscripted show, Home Sweet Home, challenges racial, religious, economic, geographic, gender, and identity assumptions by having families exchange homes for a week for a full-immersion cultural experiment. • Her other credits include I Will Follow, This Is the Life, Venus Vs, and Scandal, and Middle of Nowhere, which earned her the Sundance Film Festival Best Director Award. • Ava's film, Origin, made history with its debut at the Venice Film Festival, making her the first African American woman with a movie in competition at the festival. • DuVernay is the founder of Array, a community-based distribution collective dedicated to the amplification of films by people of color and women filmmakers. Array teamed up with Impact, Brian Grazer, and Ron Howard’s professional network, to become the largest hiring network in the entertainment industry. • DuVernay was named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People List and Forbes 50 Over 50. Academy Award nominee and Emmy, BAFTA and Peabody Award winner Ava DuVernay is a writer, director, producer and film distributor. Her feature directorial work includes the Oscar-winning civil rights drama Selma, the Oscar-nominated social justice documentary 13th and the Disney children’s adventure A Wrinkle in Time, which made her the highest-grossing Black woman director in American box office history. In 2019, she created, wrote, produced and directed the Emmy Award-winning limited series When They See Us. Additional projects include Naomi for The CW, docuseries One Perfect Shot and DC Comics event series DMZ for HBO Max, Cherish the Day for OWN, Home Sweet Home for NBC and the animated series Wings of Fire for Netflix, Colin In Black and White for Netflix and Queen Sugar for OWN. Winner of the 2012 Sundance Best Director Prize for her independent film Middle of Nowhere, DuVernay amplifies the work of Black artists, people of color and women of all kinds through her Peabody Award-winning narrative change collective ARRAY, named one of Forbes Most Innovative Companies. She currently sits on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Advisory Board of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Board of the American Film Institute.
Speech Topics
A Conversation with Ava DuVernay
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Ava DuVernay's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Ava DuVernay's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What is Ava DuVernay's speaking fee?
The typical range for Ava DuVernay's speaking fee is $125,000–$200,000. The low end of the fee range represents their standard virtual fee. The high end of the fee range represents their standard fee for a US-based in-person speaking engagement. Appearances which require an extended schedule of activities or international travel will possibly exceed this fee range. Speaker fees update frequently. To receive a personalized quote for Ava DuVernay to speak at your event, please consult with a Key Speakers advisor for up to date information and assistance.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Ava DuVernay for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Ava DuVernay's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Ava DuVernay through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Ava DuVernay
Bernice King
As a nationally renowned orator, Dr. Bernice A. King has inspired thousands from all walks of life. In 1980, at age 17, she spoke in her mother's stead to the United Nations on Apartheid, thus realizing her oratorical gift. The youngest child of Mrs. Coretta Scott King and the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Bernice King is remembered by most as the five year old in the Pulitzer Prize photograph taken of her as she lay in her mother's lap during her father's funeral. She holds a B.A. degree in psychology from Spelman College and on the morning of her Ordination, she was not only awarded a Master of Divinity degree, but also a Doctorate of Law degree from Emory University. King is an advocate for the rehabilitation of at-risk youth, utilizing both her Divinity and Law degrees to keep teenagers from cycling through the legal system. Ms. King has received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Wesley College and is author of Hard Questions, Heart Answers and other books.
Fee Range: $25,000–$35,000
Travels From: GA
Magic Johnson
Earvin “Magic” Johnson is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment conglomerate that provides high-quality products and services that focus primarily on ethnically diverse and underserved urban communities. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson parlayed the skills and tenacity he acquired on the court into a winning formula for his successful business ventures. In his presentations, Magic Johnson inspires audiences with the story of his stunning ascent, his philosophy for success, and his vision for a bright and promising future.
Fee Range: $150,000–$300,000
Travels From: CA
Check Ava DuVernay’s Availability
Tell us about your event and we’ll be in touch shortly.