“The Diplomat” isn’t just a thrilling ode to the delicate work done by international ambassadors (with an incredible star turn by Keri Russell); it’s an emissary, much like its subjects, for “humanity, dignity, and equality” around the world.

So say the Atx TV Festival and Human Rights Watch, who are partnering to present creator, showrunner, and writer Debora Cahn with the “Impact of Storytelling” award at this year’s Austin-based event. Cahn will be the inaugural recipient of the honor, which celebrates “a creative and/or series that has highlighted socially relevant issues through scripted or unscripted episodic storytelling, and foregrounded narratives that advocate for humanity, dignity, and equality.”

Taking place May 29 – June 1, the Atx TV Festival will host a one-on-one conversation with Cahn as part of the award presentation. Cahn will discuss Netflix’s hit drama series, the nuances of crafting narratives about diplomacy and international relations,...