Biography
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have successfully expanded their global influence beyond politics into the entertainment industry through their production company, Higher Ground Productions, which they founded in 2018. After signing a landmark multi-year deal with Netflix, the Obamas quickly established themselves as impactful storytellers, focusing on projects that elevate diverse voices and socially relevant narratives. Their early success came with the Academy Award-winning documentary American Factory, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2020, marking a historic achievement for the former President and First Lady as producers.
Under Higher Ground, they have since developed a wide slate of acclaimed content across film and television, including the Emmy Award-nominated docuseries Our Great National Parks, which is notably narrated by Barack Obama, and the critically praised documentary Crip Camp, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature. Their storytelling extends into scripted and family programming as well, with projects like Waffles + Mochi—featuring Michelle Obama in a recurring role—and the apocalyptic thriller Leave the World Behind, starring Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, which became one of Netflix’s most-watched films upon release.
In addition to their film and television success, both Barack and Michelle Obama have received numerous honors for their media work, including multiple Primetime Emmy Awards—with Barack Obama winning for his narration work—and Grammy Awards for their bestselling audiobooks, further demonstrating their cross-platform storytelling impact. Their recent projects continue to reflect a commitment to culturally resonant and globally conscious content, including documentaries, scripted features, and first-look development deals that expand their reach in Hollywood and beyond. As of today, the Obamas remain influential producers shaping modern media through purpose-driven storytelling, strategic partnerships, and a growing portfolio of award-winning content.
