The long-running television and film franchise 'Star Trek' is to receive the Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the US.
The organisation, which presents the Emmy Awards, says the recognition is for its "contribution to society and media for 50-plus years".
'Star Trek' has spanned six TV shows and 13 films.
The original series, which ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969, was known for breaking down barriers.
It included a multi-racial, multi-ethnic crew - and also featured one of the first interracial kisses on US television.
Of course, it was the show that almost never-was: after its initial pilot 'The Cage' flopped in 1966, it changed its format - and famously cast William Shatner in the role of James T Kirk (replacing Jeffrey Hunter, who decided not to return).
A second pilot was offered, 'Where No Man Had Gone Before,' which convinced the studio to pick up the series.
Image: startrek.com
In a statement, the Television Academy said: "What began as a television show grew into an entertainment franchise that has consistently depicted humanity's greatest hopes for a better tomorrow.
"Throughout Star Trek's multiple series, viewers were exposed to a world where technology and science helped improve the human condition.
"Futuristic technological advancements featured in the show bear striking resemblances to the cell phones and virtual reality systems in use today."
"From casting decisions to plot points, the series has consciously pursued diversity and equality, providing an optimistic depiction of a diverse and just future that inspires its audience.
"The original Star Trek provided a war-torn, culturally-divided audience with a sense of hope for the future, one in which race, gender and nationality mattered significantly less than one's capabilities and strengths.
"The show actively cast actors of various ethnicities in roles of respect—an actor of Russian descent portrayed Ensign Chekov during the Cold War and an African-American woman portrayed Lieutenant Uhura during the Civil Rights Movement.
"Further, the character of Lieutenant Uhura (portrayed by Nichelle Nichols) inspired Dr Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to fly in space, and was described as a symbol of hope for equality by Dr Martin Luther King Jr himself."
"Star Trek continues to inspire generations of dreamers and doers."
Nichelle Nichols portraying communications officer Lt Uhura | Image: startrek.com
Governors Award committee chair Mark Spatny said: "Star Trek is the first television program I can remember watching as a child, and has always been ahead of its time.
"Not only have all the franchises promoted inclusiveness and acceptance of all people, and inspired creative thought about space exploration and our future, but the technical innovations sparked by the franchise are incredibly significant to the evolution of television production, and also to the communication and computer tools we use in our daily life.
"We are honored to present this award to a franchise that has made such a lasting contribution to both television and our society."
David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios, added: "For over 50 years, Star Trek has captivated and connected fans from around the world.
What the series always brilliantly illustrated is that, despite our greatest differences, we as people are more alike than we realise, and coming together in hopes of a better tomorrow is not just a possibility, but a necessity.
"The impact of Star Trek is far-reaching, and has inspired not only countless individuals, but great advancements in technology, science, health care, space exploration and more."
The Governors Award is given to an individual, company, organisation or project for outstanding achievement in the arts and sciences or management of television.
'Star Trek' television series have garnered 30 Emmy Awards.
The Governors Award will be presented to the Star Trek franchise and CBS Television Studios during the 2018 Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Saturday, September 8th.
Previous recipients include Hallmark Cards Inc, Comic Relief and the "It Gets Better" Project.
