PROVIDENCE, R.I: Trinity Repertory Company has announced that actress Mary McDonnell will be the recipient of the 2018 Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts. McDonnell, a two-time Oscar nominee for Dances with Wolves and Passion Fish, has a theatre, film, and television résumé spanning more than four decades.

“Mary McDonnell’s extraordinary work exemplifies the artist as a socially responsible citizen,” Trinity Rep artistic director Curt Columbus said in a statement. “Her portrayals of strong women, from Stands with a Fist to President Roslin to Sharon Raydor, have inspired and captivated millions. Trinity Rep is thrilled to honor Ms. McDonnell’s talent and impact with this year’s Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.”

Trinity Rep’s 22nd annual Pell Awards Gala will be held the evening of Monday, May 21, at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. McDonnell will be honored alongside previously announced local honorees: Morris Nathanson, receiving the Rhode Island Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts; Jane S. Nelson, receiving the Charles Sullivan Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts; and Jeannine Chartier, receiving the Pell Award for Outstanding Leadership in the Arts.

Established in 1997, Trinity Rep’s Pell Awards were named in honor of Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI). They recognize artistic excellence in Rhode Island and the New England region as well as on the national level.

Past Pell Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts honorees include: Jane Alexander, Kate Burton, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis, Viola Davis, Olympia Dukakis, Laurie and Oskar Eustis, Adrian Hall, Richard and Sharon Jenkins, Jessica Lange, Arthur Miller, Liza Minnelli, Toni Morrison, Robert Redford, Chita Rivera, Jason Robards, Maurice Sendak, Beverly Sills, and Stephen Sondheim.