America Abroad Media (AAM) has honored renowned Egyptian screenwriter and producer Wahid Hamed together with his son, influential director Marwan Hamed, at its sixth annual Awards Dinner in Washington, D.C. This annual Media Award recognizes individuals whose work demonstrates a strong commitment to purpose driven content, and who appreciate the unique power of media as a catalyst in informing, inspiring and positively impacting society. AAM also honored Saudi director Haifaa Al-Mansour.

Wahid Hamed expressed his joy for the honor, "I cannot describe my happiness at receiving such a great honor. Thank you, America Abroad Media and everyone involved. This honor also extends to include many people whom I have worked with throughout my long career and I wish I was there with you on this special night."

Marwan received the award on his father's behalf and thanked AAM, "This is a special honor for me, as it proves that what we do in the Arab world resonates abroad, in America, and is appreciated as well. I would like to thank America Abroad Media for this honor, especially because it comes alongside the award received by my father, the great writer and producer Wahid Hamed who I am honored to receive the award on his behalf."

AAM believes that the collective works of both Wahid and Marwan Hamed provide American audiences with a glimpse into the history of the Egyptian entertainment industry, its role as a catalyst for social dialogue, its powerful resonance throughout the Arab world, and its ability to lift taboos and bring forth positive change.

"We recognize tonight's honorees for their extraordinary contributions and efforts to help positively impact societies across the Middle East," said Dr. Aaron Lobel, founder and president of America Abroad Media. "The thoughtful, insightful films and documentaries these individuals create sets an example for others and generates greater understanding that will lead to a more tolerant, stable, and peaceful world."

The AAM Awards Dinner brings together more than 350 influential members of the policy making, diplomatic and creative communities. This year's Awards Dinner was co-chaired by, among others, former Chairman of MGM Studios and Paramount Pictures Frank Mancuso, Sr., Former Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland, and Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) Charles Rivkin, in addition to members of AAM's Hollywood-Middle East Initiative, including writer and executive producer Bill Macdonald, writer and producer Jessica Mecklenburg, and Egyptian actress Nelly Karim.

Wahid Hamed is a screenwriter and producer whose repertoire includes more than 100 dramatic works in cinema, television, radio and theater. Since the 1970s, Wahid has collaborated with a large number of directors, stars and filmmaking talents spanning several generations. While Wahid's films have won numerous awards and seen major box office success, his career is also notable for the battles he has fought against the authority of film censorship. His films include: Al Bare'e (The Innocent), Al Ghoul (The Ghoul), Toyour Elzalam (Birds of Darkness), Al Takhshiba (The Prison Cell), Kashf El Mastour (Revealing the Hidden), El Noom Fel Asal (Sleeping in Honey), and El Gamaah (The Brotherhood TV Series).

His son, director Marwan Hamed is one of Egypt's most prominent filmmakers whose work has explored new genres in the Egyptian film industry. His two-decade career boasts a roster of remarkable works in cinema, television and music videos. Marwan's films consistently impress critics and audiences alike, topping the box office in Egypt and the Arab world. His hit films include: Omaret Yaacoubian (The Yacoubian Building), Ibrahim Labyad, El Feel El Azra' (The Blue Elephant), Al Asleyeen (The Originals), and Torab El Mas (Diamond Dust).

AAM's previous award recipients include award-winning directors Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) and Paul Greengrass (Captain Phillips); H.E. Noura Al Kaabi, Chairwoman of twofour54 Abu Dhabi; HRH Princess Rym Ali, Founder of the Jordan Media Institute; Tunisian actress Hend Sabry; Saudi actor and comedian Nasser Al Qasabi; and Saudi journalist Turki Aldakhil, among others.

America Abroad Media champions global storytelling through the power of entertainment. AAM's vision is to bring together the best of Hollywood with the creative community in the Middle East to empower a new generation of storytellers in the region to produce original content that promotes positive change and shared values.