Today the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences announced that Geena Davis would receive the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy’s 11th Annual Governors Awards on Sunday, October 27.

Her selection is part of a wider shift by the organization behind the film prizes to recognize women and underrepresented groups.

“These Governors Awards given by the Academy each year recognize individuals who have devoted themselves to a lifetime of artistic accomplishment and brought outstanding contributions to our industry, and beyond,” said Academy President John Bailey.

Davis, an Oscar winner for “The Accidental Tourist” and the star of “Thelma & Louise,” will be recognized for her advocacy of gender equality in media.

On February 7, 2012, Davis spoke at Statehouse Convention Center as part of a Clinton School Speaker Series program in conjunction with the Clinton Presidential Center. More about the visit, including video, can be viewed here.

In 2015, she was a co-founder of the Bentonville Film Festival which focuses on diversity and inclusion.