Elizabeth Banks, born Elizabeth Irene Mitchell on February 10, 1974, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a powerhouse of talent in the entertainment industry. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with honors in 1996, later attending the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco to earn her Master's in Fine Arts. The journey of her acting career began in the late 90s, but it was the 2005 comedy The 40-Year-Old Virgin that marked her breakthrough into mainstream cinema. Banks' versatility as an actress is impressive, having demonstrated her talent in diverse genres, from drama and comedy to action and horror. Notable roles include Effie Trinket in the Hunger Games franchise, and her portrayal of Laura Bush in the Academy Award-nominated film W. In 2012, she won the coveted American Comedy Award for her role in Pitch Perfect, a film series where she also made her mark behind the camera as a producer. However, Banks' prowess extends beyond acting. She ventured into directing with the 2015 sequel Pitch Perfect 2, which became a commercial success. This achievement positioned her as the first woman to direct a film that grossed over $100 million domestically on its debut. Banks also co-founded Brownstone Productions, a film production company, highlighting her entrepreneurial spirit. In recognition of her contributions to the film industry, Banks was honored with the Pioneer of the Year award by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation in 2019.