Ken Burns wins a $250,000 prize for bringing American history to life

Documentary filmmaker Ken Burns has been awarded a $250,000 prize for his "significant contributions to promoting knowledge and understanding of American history." The David M. Rubenstein Prize for the Advancement of American History, presented by The New York Historical, recognizes Burns for his work that reflects the highest aspirations of American history.

The jury, including Pulitzer Prize winners Annette Gordon-Reed and Jon Meacham, praised Burns for his films on the American Revolution, Civil War, and Vietnam War, emphasizing their impact on educating the public about American virtues and vices. Burns, 73, expressed his appreciation and humility, acknowledging the collective effort of historians and archivists in creating his films.

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