Friedman accepted her award on the same day she was presented with her OBE, and used her speech to urge the sector to harness the power of the arts.
"Right now, theatre, artists, creators and facilitators, this is our moment to try and make a difference. I think we can all agree the world is in crisis and it's our job right now to show the world how we can make a difference, and how we can push through and make change for the better. We are all in this together," she said.
She added: "I feel a passionate responsibility to do the best work I can possibly do. I love what I do and everyone I work with with. I couldn't do it, I don't do it, without the artists and the creators. I am simply someone who has got the privilege and honour of working with them."
The awards were presented on Friday 27th January 2016 at a ceremony held at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London,