Emmys 2010: Who Is Temple Grandin?

The HBO film Temple Grandin, a biopic about an animal scientist who is also autistic, won seven awards at last night's Emmys, including Best Actress for Claire Danes and Best Made for Television Movie or Miniseries. Grandin herself was a scene-stealer at the awards ceremony, standing at her seat in the auditorium and waving to the audience anytime she was thanked in a speech, and appearing onstage next to the producer who accepted the Emmy on behalf on the film.

Given the amount of awards won by the film, and Grandin's enthusiastic presence at the awards, Entertainment Weekly thought it prudent to answer a question on many people's minds (those who, presumably, had not seen the HBO movie)—who is Temple Grandin?:

As an adult, Grandin became a renowned public advocate for those born on the autistic spectrum. Her high-functioning autism ultimately allowed her to earn a doctorate in animal science, become a university professor, and pen an autobiography about her experiences. She has also made notable contributions to the ethical treatment of livestock. Grandin, who believes that her autism helps gives her insight into the feelings of farm creatures, famously designed more humane corrals for cows headed for slaughter.

Read the full story at Entertainment Weekly.

The Atlantic reviewed Temple Grandin when it first aired on HBO in February:

These cinematic conceits make HBO's Temple Grandin, a biopic of the acclaimed animal scientist and autism advocate (to premier on HBO on February 6 at 8 p.m.), particularly remarkable.  From the life of one of the best-known individuals with an autism spectrum disorder, director Mick Jackson has managed to make an utterly original movie about autism, simply by allowing Grandin, portrayed in a stunning performance by Claire Danes, to be the center of her own story.

Read the full story at The Atlantic.

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http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2010/08/emmys-2010-who-is-temple-grandin/62238/