MPAA to present Clint Eastwood first JV Humanitarian Award

By M&C Movie News Feb 2, 2007, 14:25 GMT

WASHINGTON, DC (M&C) - The Motion Picture Association of America February 1 announced it
will present Academy Award winning director Clint Eastwood the inaugural Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award, February 6 in Washington, DC.

The award, to be presented annually to an individual in the motion picture industry whose work has reached out positively and respectfully to all countries, creeds and cultures, will be presented at a private dinner capping off a day-long, first-of-its-kind industry symposium, “The Business of Show Business.”

“The MPAA is thrilled to recognize as its inaugural recipient Mr. Clint Eastwood, who for decades has exemplified the decency and goodness of spirit in his moviemaking,” said Dan Glickman, MPAA Chairman and CEO. “His two acclaimed movies about World War II’s infamous battle at Iwo Jima present a remarkable work of looking at both sides of a moment in history, and providing a commentary on its impact in the lives of those who experienced it. These films exemplify the true power of movies to tell human stories and inspire national conversation.”

Mr. Eastwood will be the first-ever recipient of this award, named for long-time MPAA chief Valenti.

Said Valenti, “To me, this Award rises above the ordinary. My only response is wrapped in humility and a pride wherein any words of mine are insufficient to illuminate what I feel, though it is kind of nice to have an Award named after me while I’m still alive. That’s cheerfully optimistic.”

Said Glickman, “Jack Valenti has been a public policy leader for the motion picture industry for decades, using that post to support and advance the art of moviemaking and to take on causes for the betterment of humanity. We are pleased to name this award for him, and hope it will provide an annual opportunity to highlight the many men and women in the movie business who exemplifies the spirit of caring and commitment to the dignity of others.”

The award will be at an event designed to educate and inform policymakers and the public through a series of panels and high-profile speakers about the value of the American motion picture business and its contribution to the U.S. economy.

“People everywhere know the magic of the movies, but they don’t know the energy and work put into each production,” Glickman said of the event. “This event gives us the opportunity to spotlight a leading American business in an educational setting and discuss the importance of the American motion picture industry, celebrating the economic value it generates.”

A recipient of the Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award must be an individual working in the motion picture industry who exemplifies the spirit of caring and commitment to others embodied in the award’s namesake, Jack Valenti. Recipients possess an unwavering dedication and respect for the dignity of others.

The award recipient is selected by the Motion Picture Association of America, in consultation with its member companies and the award’s namesake, Jack Valenti.

About “The Business Of Show Business”

A first-of-its-kind, day-long symposium in Washington, DC, providing the movie industry a forum to speak to lawmakers, students and other interested parties about the business of movie making – the inherent risks, investment, creativity, commitment and challenges – to foster a greater appreciation for the business of show business.

The breakfast will kick off the day’s events and will also feature remarks from Michael Lynton, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment, the Hon. Charles B. Rangel, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, and a presentation by students from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.

Will Smith will be the keynote speaker.

“Will Smith is one of the brightest stars of the motion picture industry and we are thrilled he will join us for what will be an exciting and informative day here in the nation’s capital,” said Dan Glickman, MPAA Chairman and CEO. “The American motion picture industry is known as a creative force around the world because of talented individuals like Will Smith, an Academy Award nominee. What is less well known is that the industry is also an economic engine that brings billions of dollars and thousands of jobs to communities across America. The Business of Show Business will showcase both.”

About the MPAA

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) serves as the voice and advocate of the
American motion picture, home video and television industries from its offices in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Its members include: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution; Paramount Pictures; Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.; Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation; Universal City Studios LLLP; and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

All events are by invitation only.