Audra McDonald to Receive 2013 Matrix Award; Joan Rivers to Emcee Event

Having really mastered winning Tonys, Audra McDonald is branching out and picking up some other awards. McDonald will be recognized by New York Women in Communications at their 2013 Matrix Awards, honoring extraordinary achievements of outstanding women in the communications industry. Recent Show People guest Joan Rivers will emcee the April 22 luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria.

In addition to McDonald, the Matrix Award will honor Cosmopolitan editor-in-chief Joanna Coles, NBC’s Bonnie Hammer, HSN’s Mindy Grossman, Bank of America’s Annie Finucane, IPG CEO Jacki Kelley and author Kara Swisher. American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest is slated to be one of the afternoon’s presenters.

McDonald is a five-time Tony winner for her performances in Porgy and Bess, A Raisin in the Sun, Ragtime, Master Class and Carousel. She also nabbed a Broadway.com Audience Choice Award for A Raisin in the Sun. Her other Broadway credits include 110 in the Shade, Henry IV, Marie Christine and The Secret Garden. A two-time Emmy nominee, McDonald appeared as a series regular on Private Practice. Her other TV credits include Annie, Wit, A Raisin in the Sun and Mister Sterling.