You might not have been nominated for a James Beard Award this year, but fear not, there's another award to be won, courtesy of the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts. According to a press release, the foundation launches the first annual Julia Child Award in honor of the legendary chef and cookbook author this year. It will be given to an "individual who has improved how Americans think about they cook, eat, and drink."
The ideal candidate has achieved "significant accomplishments" as an educator, innovator, and mentor in the world of food. Todd Shulkin — the foundation's executive director — tells the Associated Press, "There's a list of about half a dozen characteristics they are looking for. It's looking at what Julia represented and why she was so successful, that combination of education and entertainment, passion and commitment to the subject."
Former Epicurious editor-in-chief Tanya Steel will head up the selection process and the winner will be picked from a shortlist by five "esteemed food industry professionals" including restaurateur and chef Nancy Silverton (Pizzeria Mozza) and food writer Russ Parsons. The winner will be announced on August 15 — Julia Child's birthday — and they will receive a $50,000 grant to give to a food-related non-profit of their choice.