EXCLUSIVE: The Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA has created the Greg Berlanti Social Impact Award, with writer, director and producer Berlanti as its inaugural recipient.
This is the first ever award established by the CSS whose goal has been bridging the gap between academic research and creative practice while working to ensure that media serves the wellbeing of children and society. The award honors creators who use their platforms to address important social issues and inspire positive change through compelling narratives. It will be presented annually at the Center’s Summit, starting with the October 23 Greg Berlanti Social Impact Award ceremony during the 2025 event at UCLA’s Luskin Center.
“I’m incredibly honored to be associated with CSS and all the amazing work they do with young people and storytelling,” Berlanti said. “Creating stories for and about young adults has been the most rewarding work of my career and hearing how these stories have affected young audiences through the years is the greatest gift imaginable. I’m excited and grateful to play a small part in CSS continuing to recognize and encourage creators to use their voices to make a positive impact on our world.”
Berlanti, an Emmy Governors Award and PGA Norman Lear Achievement Award recipient and a WGA, DGA and Golden Globe nominee, began his career in TV as a staff writer on the WB’s Dawson’s Creek, becoming an executive producer and showrunner of the series after only one year on staff. Since then, he has served as a creator or executive producer on over 45 television shows, including You, Everwood, Brothers & Sisters, Arrow, The Flash, Riverdale, The Flight Attendant, All American and Brilliant Minds. His Berlanti Productions has broken records with as many as 15 shows on the air at one time.
In features, Berlanti has directed Love, Simon and, most recently, Apple Original Films’ Fly Me To The Moon starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, and has produced My Policeman, Free Guy, and Red, White and Royal Blue, among others.
Berlanti, who has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in television, founded the Berlanti Family Foundation which has raised millions of dollars for charities, non-profits, and cancer research.
“Greg Berlanti exemplifies what it means to be a socially conscious storyteller,” said Dr. Yalda T. Uhls, founder and Executive Director of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers. “His work has consistently pushed boundaries, created representation for underserved communities, and sparked important conversations — particularly among teens and young adults during this critical developmental window when stories have the most power to shape identity and values. By establishing this award in his honor, we’re celebrating not just his achievements, but our shared commitment to using media as a force for positive social change.”
Former top TV executive Susanne Daniels who ran the WB when Berlanti got his start on Dawson’s Creek, is a board member of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers.
“Greg’s impact on television and film extends far beyond entertainment—his stories have the power to change hearts and minds,” she said. “His commitment to authentic representation and meaningful storytelling makes him the perfect namesake for an award that celebrates social impact through media. This honor recognizes creators who understand that with great storytelling power comes great responsibility.”
