The HBO biographical movie “Temple Grandin,” about Colorado State University’s professor of animal science, well-known adult with autism and noted cattle and hog handling expert, won best picture and best actress honors for actress Clare Danes, who portrayed Grandin.
The film also won best supporting actress honors for Julie Ormond who portrayed Grandin’s mother, best supporting actor for David Strahaim who portrayed Grandin’s favorite teacher and best director for Mick Jackson.
The movie, which first aired February 2010, and continues to air on HBO, received 15 Emmy nominations in covering the life of Grandin, who has become a prominent author and speaker on autism.
While the film was expected to capture many awards, it actually fared better than expected.
American Meat Institute (AMI) President J. Patrick Boyle offered hearty congratulations to Grandin, who is an AMI member, the lead instructor at AMI’s Animal Care & Handling Conference, and a past recipient of AMI’s Industry Advancement Award.
“Temple Grandin has done remarkable things for our industry and for people with autism,” Boyle says. “She has transformed the way we handle livestock and measure welfare. She has been a gift to so many people including those in our industry. And, of course, she has helped to enhance animal welfare dramatically.”
Grandin was also honored in 2007 as one of The Masters of the pork industry in the May 15, 2007 issue of National Hog Farmer magazine.