The Organization also bestows beloved NBC/Warner Bros.’ ‘Friends’ with the Heritage Award

Rita Moreno

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – July 30, 2018 – The Television Critics Association is excited to announce Rita Moreno as the 2018 Career Achievement Award honoree and beloved NBC/Warner Bros. Television comedy series “Friends” as the winner of the Heritage Award. Robin Thede will emcee The 34th Annual TCA Awards, Saturday, August 4 at the Beverly Hilton.

The nonprofit association pays tribute to Moreno, currently co-starring in the Netflix sitcom “One Day At A Time,” honoring her unparalleled legacy. In addition to being one of the few who has captured an Emmy®, GRAMMY®, Oscar®, and Tony®, Moreno is a recipient of the Presidential Medal Of Freedom. Her acclaimed television career includes featured roles in legendary series, “Oz,” “Where On Earth Is Carmen San Diego?” “The Rockford Files,” “The Electric Company” and “The Muppet Show,” among many others.

This year’s TCA Awards also includes a tribute to the NBC/Warner Bros. Television comedy “Friends” as it takes the Heritage Award. The generation-defining series left an indelible mark on popular culture with authentic characters, all-star cameos, relatable plots, and unforgettable one-liners. Emmy®-winning creators and executive producers David Crane and Marta Kauffman and executive producer Kevin Bright will accept the award.

Cast of Friends

As TCA President Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter, said of the legend attending the gala, “A singer, dancer and actor without peer, a veteran of comedy and drama, shows for the youngest of children and the most mature of adults, Rita Moreno has been one of the medium’s most versatile performers for decades. I can’t think of anybody more deserving of joining the ultra-rare EGOT club.”

“We’re also excited to honor ‘Friends’ with our Heritage Award,” Fienberg added. “A show that reshaped television comedy for a generation, ‘Friends’ is nearing the 25th anniversary of its premiere, but we just couldn’t wait to say ‘We’ll be there for you’ a year early.”

ABOUT THE TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION
The Television Critics Association (TCA) represents more than 200 professional journalists who cover television for publications across the United States and Canada. The members reach tens of millions of consumers each week, and are considered experts within the industry, representing their employers as moderators, panelists, radio/TV guests and more. The prestigious organization honors outstanding achievements in television and enduring contributions to the medium’s heritage through the TCA Awards each year. This year’s TCA Awards are the organization’s 34TH anniversary. For additional information about the TCA, visit www.tvcritics.org; Facebook; and Twitter. To follow the Summer TCA on twitter, follow tweets with the hashtag #TCA18.

Media Contact:
Cindy Ronzoni / Social Spread Media / [email protected] / @cindyronzoni