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      *Sidney Poitier, Elise Neal and Camille Winbush were among the celebrities on hand to honor famed photographer Bill Jones at the Hollywood Black Film Festival’s Opening Night event, which took place earlier this week at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills.

       Jones was handed his award and gift basket by Tanya Kersey, Executive Director of the Hollywood Black Film Festival.        

       “People have asked why we selected to honor a photographer,” said Kersey. “Just like the griots of Africa who pass on our history, Bill Jones has passed on the history of blacks in Hollywood through his photos for the past 45 years.”       

       In accepting his award, Jones said: “I am honored that people like Sidney Poitier, Adore Collier (West Coast Editor, Ebony/Jet), Elise Neal (“All of Us”) and Camille Winbush (“The Bernie Mac Show”) would take the time to come out and do this. I am a man of few words, but completely honored.” 

       The Opening Night event also saw the screening of “Flip the Script,” a romantic comedy starring Robin Givens and Miguel A. Nunez, Jr. in a story about six friends brought back to Los Angeles for the death of a mutual friend.  Forced with having to plan a funeral together, the friends use the occasion to reacquaint themselves with each other, which results in the resurfacing of old feelings and unfinished business. 

       Visit www.HBFF.org for festival updates.