The Ana DuVernay Barbie, a limited edition doll with only 999 units produced, was released in 2015 to celebrate her achievements as a film director. This doll is part of the Barbie Sheroes collection, which honors women who have made significant contributions in fields such as entertainment, sports, science, and activism. DuVernay made history as the first female director to be honored with a Barbie doll, reflecting her impact on the film industry and her advocacy for greater representation of women, particularly women of color, in Hollywood. The doll is styled in a black turtleneck, blue jeans, and red-and-white sneakers, capturing DuVernay's signature "on set" look. It also includes a personalized director's chair.

The writer and director, a nominee for two Academy Awards and four Golden Globes, began her directorial career with films such as Middle of Nowhere (2012), which earned her the "Best Director" award at the Sundance Film Festival, making her the first African American woman to receive this honor.

DuVernay has emerged as a leading voice for social justice, frequently using her platform to address critical issues of race, gender, and representation in film and media.