Legendary filmmaker Ken Burns named inaugural winner of The Commonwealth Prize

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns has been named the inaugural winner of The Commonwealth Prize, according to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture (VMHC).

According to a release, The Commonwealth Prize was established to commemorate America's 250th anniversary, and is the highest honor bestowed by the museum.

The award seeks to recognize "exemplary patriotic service or extraordinary and lasting contributions to the history and culture of Virginia," the release said.

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Documentary filmmaker and director Ken Burns' legacy includes "The Vietnam War," "The War," and "Baseball."

Several of Burns' films received major awards, including seventeen Emmy Awards, two Grammy Awards and two Oscar nominations, per the release.

Burns' latest production, "The American Revolution," premiered on Sunday, Nov. 16.

VMHC will present The Commonwealth Prize on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. Tickets are $225 for members and $250 for non-members.

Visit VMHC for more information.