Presented by the Alliance for Women in Media

Chelsea Handler

By Adrienne Papp

Imagine a world where:

Every girls grows up with the self-esteem she needs to reach her full potential…,

Every woman enjoys feeling confident in her own beauty…,

We all help to build self-esteem in the people we love the most…,

That was the vision that this year’s sponsor, Dove skin care products proposed as part of their support of the 2011 Gracie Awards.  As evidenced in this inspiring star-studded celebration of feminine power, this is a great time to be alive for women.  In spite of many economic challenges, the progress made by so many disenfranchised groups in recent years has been breathtaking.  And in a ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles it was thrilling to see so many women being honored for their creative efforts in communications programming created by women, for women and about women, across wide platform of media.

Erin and Juliana

The 36^th Annual Gracie Awards, held on May 25 2011, is a way of celebrating so many of the accomplishments of women in entertainment media.  Presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation and sponsored by Dove skin care products, Disney, HBO, CBS Radio, TNT, the Ford Motor Company, Wells Fargo and a host of other sponsors, the Gracie Award show is an extravaganza toasting the best and brightest women in media, a broad cross section of female talent from all walks of life, individuals who have made exemplary contributions in their respective fields.

Hosted by Patricia Heaton of ABC’s hit show “The Middle,” the 2011 Gracies was a virtual Who’s Who of professional women in media.  Among the awardees were the CBS “60 Minutes” interview with Academy-Award winning director Kathryn Bigelow, Meredith Vieira as Outstanding Anchor News for the NBC News produced Today Show, TV star Joan Lunden for Outstanding Talk Show, the ubiquitous Betty White as the Outstanding Female Actor in a Comedy for “Hot in Cleveland,” Claire Danes for Outstanding Actor in a Drama for HBO’s “Temple Grandin,” and Shaun Robinson, who received the Dove Real Beauty Award presented by Lauren Harper and Holly Robinson Peete.
It is the Gracies Awards and an ever-increasing number of female-centric programs that recognize women in the arts, education and entertainment that help make the world aware of the accomplishments that women have been providing all along.  In spite of the glass-ceiling syndrome, which is now cracking and is in the process of disintegrating, women have made incredible but sometimes overlooked, inroads in modern culture.  Kathryn Bigelow, it should be noted, became the first woman to win the Academy Award for Best Director, the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing, and the BAFTA Award for Best Direction for her war film The Hurt Locker,  a trifecta that has never before been accomplished by a woman.

Meredith Vieira

Laura Ziskin, although not a recipient at the show, should be also mentioned alongside this group, as she recently passed away from breast cancer and was an incredibly strong force in Hollywood.  Ziskin is perhaps best known for producing the three Spider-Man movies starring Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst that grossed $2.5 billion at the  box office worldwide.  In 2002, she became the first woman to produce the Oscar broadcast solo and also produced the 2007 ceremony (and was the women who convinced Woody Allen to appear on the show). In 2008 Ziskin, along with other entertainment notables including newswoman Katie Couric, co-founded Stand Up To Cancer, an advocacy group for cancer research.  At the age of 61, she passed away far too early.

There was so much to be proud of and so much recognition for the accomplished women in our world, which however would be impossible to list within the scope this article.  But what is important to take away from a show like the Gracies is the strong spirit that is present in the vast community of women who put their soul and intelligence into projects that make everyone’s life so much richer.  From the women who broadcast the outstanding sports program on ESPN, to investigative reporting that gets inside the most important stories of our time, to biographies and comedies and reality shows, women are no longer just the worker bees behind the scenes. They have now stepped into the spotlight and are the ones who have become the creators, the voices, the messengers that bring a kinder, gentler, more intuitive approach to the entertainment, news and educational programs we benefit from.

The amazing and exemplary women who were publicly recognized at the Gracies Awards have been recognized for their greatness because they refuse to be relegated to secondary citizen status and strive for the self-fulfillment they receive by being true to themselves.  A public awards show like the Gracias and the light it shines on these women can be an inspiration to the younger generation, a clear indicator that the traditional roles that women were relegated to don’t have to be accepted anymore. Along with the elegance and grace of the event a new and exceptionally talented young fashion designer, Rachel Weathersby stood out of the crowd, not by her personal presence, but by the dress I wore made by her. She is the only female designer known today who preserves the trends of times and brings about the beauty of the royal ages before us into an elegance that is not only timeless, but memorable.

It must be noted that the Women in Media alliance is getting more and more recognition. The 36^th Annual Gracie Awards will air on the Hallmark Movie Channel on  August 8, 2011, during prime time, and then again as a daytime encore on August 12.

Christy Turlington

The Gracies is a call to women everywhere to follow their own individual path, listen to the personal voices that speak to them,  tell the stories, write the books and make the movies that they imagine in the depths of their creative spirit. If women do this, they will bring about a whole new world!  And, in that world, men and women will both feel much more appreciated!

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View, Celebrity Society, Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Today among many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

Adrienne Papp wearing a 17th century classic creation by Rachel Weathersby

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By Adrienne Papp

The Golden Globe Awards, a casual, yet glamorous celebration of the film and television industries brought out Hollywood’s elite in a dazzling display of high fashion and exquisite looks, with some edgy Ricky Gervais remarks thrown in for spice.  Now, that’s a good way to start off the awards season in the Entertainment Capital of the World! The Hollywood Foreign Press impressed every one more this year than any other year before!  And, the talks both on Ricky’s style continued forever just as much as the Fashion Police from Channel E gave a full run down on everyone’s choice of style with Joan Rivers, who is just histerically funny. Gervais and Rivers make these events memorable forever.

Ricky Gervais

After a red carpet prequel that featured stunning fashion elegance, baby bumps, and the finest talent in town, Gervais opened the show. Big winners included The Social Network, the Aaron Sorkin-penned drama based on the unauthorized book about the founding of Facebook.  The Social Network picked up a lot of friends and some major momentum in the competition for more industry awards as it got the Golden Globes for best drama, director and screenplay, steeling the award from The King’s Speech, which by far is one of the best movies ever made. And, I am not saying that just because the writer, David Seidler is my next door neighbor, who was also nominated as Best Screenplay Writer.

Other big winners included Annette Bening, who won the comedic actress trophy for The Kids Are All Right, which also won for best comedy. Natalie Portman’s performance as an obsessive dancer in Black Swan demonstrated that she’s an actress to be reckoned with, and she took the Golden Globe for Best Actress in a dramatic role.

Colin Firth also added to a Golden Globe Award to his shelf on Sunday for his acclaimed role in The King’s Speech, which also probably makes him the favorite to pick up the best-actor Oscar on February 27.

The show kicked off by honoring Christian Bale with a supporting-actor award for his portrayal of real-life crack addict Dickie Ecklund in The Fighter, a boxing drama inspired by the real-life struggles of boxer Micky Ward, and Melissa Leo later earned an award for her supporting role in the same film, and was obviously thrilled with her win.

Robert De Niro received the honorary Cecil B. DeMille Award, after a film montage of his work in some of the most memorable films in history. Adding weight to its Academy Awards chances, family favorite and big money earner Toy Story 3 took the trophy for best animated film. Denmark’s In a Better World took the Golden Globe for best foreign-language film.

Anne Hathaway as Best Dressed at the 2011 Golden Globes

The tone of the evening was an energetic mix of emotional gravitas and wisecracking, with beer toting host Ricky Gervais making remarks that sometimes ended up being controversial.  Bruce Willis seemed especially perplexed when he was introduced as “Ashton Kutcher’s dad,” and later in the evening Tom Hanks and Tim Allen took shots at Gervais in retaliation.  It all made for a lively and exciting evening.

In the television category, it was a big night for Fox’s Glee, which won for best comedy series and was also awarded best supporting-acting trophies for Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer, who spoke inspirationally about being true to one’s self.  HBO’s Boardwalk Empire took the award for best TV miniseries, with star Steve Buscemi also winning a Golden Globe for his role in the series.  Claire Danes took the award for Best Actress for her performance in Temple Grandin, a true story.

Angelina Jolie at the 2011 Golden Globes

Part of the excitement at the Golden Globes comes from the stunning show of fashion that begins on the red carpet and then wends its way to the stage as the awards are handed out.  Burlesque star Christina Aguilera wore a black lace over nude strapless Zuhair Murad gown and wore her blonde hair parted in the center.  Other stars who displayed a sense of Hollywood glamour included Anne Hathaway in a sparkling long sleeved high necked Armani dress, Easy A star Emma Stone in a short-sleeved peach-colored Calvin Klein design and Angelina Jolie, a true movie goddess in a sparkling backless green Versace gown.  A popular favorite for the best dress award was Catherine Zeta Jones in a shimmering strapless emerald green gown, a look made even more attractive with a healthy Michael Douglas at her side.

In the end, it was an exciting and sometimes moving event beginning the New Year and the traditional start of the awards season. There was a lot of Hollywood sizzle and glamour, plenty of laughs, and an acknowledgement of some of the finest talent and film and television work, the kind of creativity that lifts our spirits in even the most challenging times.

About the Author of This Article:  Lady Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View, Celebrity Society, Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Today among many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicityand publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazineis owned by Atlantic United, Incwith Adrienne Pappbeing the majority shareholder.

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Emmys 2010

By Adrienne Papp, M.Sc.

NBC’s Sunday night’s live of the 62^nd Emmy’s broadcast was a wonderful example of how to put entertainment back into the programming for industry award shows.

Hosted by Jimmy Fallon, the three-hour broadcast set a fun, humorous tone at the beginning, and kept things lively throughout the broadcast in a format which had been in danger of losing an audience for being overly long and tedious.

Fallon kicked off the ceremonies with a rousing “Glee”- inspired musical number with a cast that included Tina Fey (getting doused with a red slushee), Jon Hamm and the ubiquitous Betty White, which evolved into Fallon-as-Bruce Springsteen doing an inspired ensemble version of “Born to Run.” It was a fun and energetic way to kick off the festivities, and Fallon quickly proved himself to be a deft and likeable host.

Once the awards got rolling, it turned out to be a great night for newcomers, celebrating a new era of creativity across a broad range of both network and cable programming.

Jimmy Fallon Hosts the 2010 Emmy Awards

Big winners in key categories included first year comedy “Modern Family” (ABC) with six Emmys, which beat out heavily-nominated “Glee.” Fox’s musical comedy, which began the night with nineteen nominations, eventually took home four awards.  AMC’s “Mad Men” took home the Emmy for TV’s best drama for the third consecutive year.

Acting awards were given to Kyra Sedgwick, a first-time winner for her dramatic role in TNT’s “The Closer,” and Bryan Cranston won the Emmy for the third consecutive time for his role in AMC’s “Breaking Bad.” Comedy winners included Jim Parsons in “The Big Bang Theory” for CBS, and Edie Falco, a surprise winner for her role in Showtime’s dark comedy “Nurse Jackie.” Falco, now a three-time winner, became the first to win in both dramatic and comedy categories, with past awards for her role on “The Sopranos.”

Supporting awards went to Eric Stonestreet in “Modern Family,” Jane Lynch for “Glee,”

Aaron Paul in “Breaking Bad,” and Archie Panjabi for her work in the CBS drama “The Good Wife.”

This 62^nd Emmy broadcast also celebrated the creativity now existing across a broad span of specialty programming.  HBO’s 10-part mini-series “The Pacific,” produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, won eight Emmys, while HBO’s lower key drama “Temple Grandin,” based on the true story of a woman’s triumph over autism, was also a big winner, and took acting awards for Claire Danes and David Strathairn.  Al Pacino also took home his second Emmy for his role as Dr. Jack Kevorkian in HBO’s “You Don’t Know Jack,” which was also based on a true story. There are many more of those nerve shaking yet true stories to be made, whether by HBO or not, such as the true story of the exceptional, soulful and beautiful Debra Pauli.

Debra Pauli's story is another true story that has award winning potential once produced.

In one of the more serious moments of the show, George Clooney was honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his fundraising efforts to help the country of Haiti. Clooney noted humorously that he had “offered to go to south Sudan and have a wardrobe malfunction ( to attract media attention.) But it was pointed out to me that I’m 49, and the consensus was that it would just be upsetting. And kind of sad.” He then spoke more seriously about the need to remember the ongoing needs that natural disasters create, saying that he hoped someone watching the Emmys would find a way to “keep the spotlight burning on these heartbreaking situations that continue to be heartbreaking long after the cameras go away.”  It was an inspiring comment from one of the classiest people in Hollywood. The Emmy Awards itself is a sponsor of the Stand Up To Cancer Foundation, which is also supported by many stars in Hollywood.

Among the upsets of the evening was “Top Chef” upending “The Great Race” in the Reality Competition category after TGR had won seven straight times, and the fact that “Lost” won just a single Emmy despite twelve nominations. “Lost” and other departing shows “Law & Order” and “24” were however feted in a comical musical tribute.

Overall, this Emmy broadcast was a true celebration of the talent and creativity expressed in programming for the previous season.  Jimmy Fallon as host was an inspired choice, and sponsors like AT&T, Infinity and Avon, besides the many swag bag controbutors, can be proud of supporting an entertainment industry which continues to reinvent itself in unique ways, offering a wealth of creative talent to America and the world.

About the Author of This Article:  Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View, Celebrity Society, Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, West Side Today among many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles / New York-based publicity company, Atlantic Publicity and publishing house, Atlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities, world leaders, inventors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs. She also owns Atlantic United Films that produces and finances true stories made for theatrical release or the silver screen. Spotlight News Magazine is owned by Atlantic United, Inc with Adrienne Papp being the majority shareholder.

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Courtesy of Adrienne Papp

By Adrienne Papp

Since the Academy’s inception in 1987, BAFTA / LA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) has consistently presented a varied and innovative program that inspires and advances creative works, and embraces, supports and honors the wealth of creative talent in the US and California communities. The past twelve months has seen BAFTA / LA present another successful year of programming, all of which begins with the dedication and hard work of the BAFTA / LA Members serving on the Board and Committees.

The year started with the Annual Awards Season Tea Party held in the luxurious surroundings of the Beverly Hills Hotel. A staple fixture in the industry calendar, the party honors nominees from around the world, and provides a unique afternoon of British themed food and drink for those seeking a respite from the hectic Awards’ season. Once again the turnout was laden with filmmakers from all areas of the industry, and amongst those sipping tea and eating fish & chips were Clint Eastwood, Leonardo Di Caprio, Danny Boyle, Ron Howard, Stephen Daldry, Tom Wilkinson, Marisa Tomei, Alexandre Desplat, Viola Davis, Freida Pinto, Paul Bettany, Saffron Burrows, and Josh Brolin.

Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller and Teri Polo at BAFTA dinner

Later in the year, BAFTA / LA hosted a second Tea Party to celebrate the year’s achievements in television and to honor those Commonwealth and British-born individuals nominated in the Emmy Awards. Both Tea Parties shine a spotlight on the success and creative accomplishments of the peers, rewarding their film and television work while inspiring their colleagues and members to continually expand their own creative visions.

Emily Blunt at BAFTA dinner

Much of the proceeds raised from the events’ silent auctions are invested into BAFTA / LA’s Education and Outreach program, which continues to flourish. BAFTA / LA awarded British film students at UCLA, and in June they presented emerging filmmakers with the BAFTA / LA student awards.

To inspire and celebrate scholars and students, BAFTA / LA held a special screening of Anvil! The Story of Anvil, directed by the former UCLA scholar, Sacha Gervasi and all was thrilled to note that the evening energized and inspired many Members to offer their time and support to further expand the organization’s work.

In an exquisite dinner setting, on November 5, this year’s honorees were, Kirk Douglas for Worldwide Contribution to Filmed Entertainment; Danny Boyle for Artistic Excellence in Directing; Emily Blunt for British Artist of the Year; Robert De Niro for Excellence in Film and Colin Firth received the BAFTA / LA Humanitarian Award.

Kirk Douglas receives BAFTA awards from the Governor

The Host for the evening was Stephen Fry and the events was sponsored by British Airways, Volvo, American Airlines, Asprey, Beefeater 24, and Stefan Johansson Vaxjo.

Among the presenters were Ben Stiller, Claire Danes, Amy Adams, Benicio Del Toro, Ewan McGregor and Tom Ford.

About the Writer: Adrienne Papp is a recognized journalist who has written for many publications including Savoir, Beverly Hills 90210, Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Sun, The Beverly Hills Times, Brentwood News, Bel-Air View, Celebrity Society, Celeb Staff, It Magazine, Chic Today, LA2DAY, among many others. She is the President and CEO of Los Angeles/New York-based publicity companies, Atlantic Publicity andAtlantic Publisher. Adrienne writes about world trends, Quantum Physics, entertainment and interviews celebrities and world leaders. She also owns Spotlight News Magazine.

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