*The Caucus for Producers, Writers, and Directors Foundation celebrated its 36th Annual Awards Dinner and honored Rev. Run & wife, Justine Simmons at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles this past November 30.
Chaired by Tanya Hart and Robert Papazian, the Caucus has given over 1.8 million dollars in grants to deserving filmmakers including a Panavision Camera Package worth over 60 thousand dollars.
The aim of the Caucus Foundation grants is to help combat the lack of diversity in content and people behind the camera in the entertainment industry.
This year the event was hosted by actor James Pickens Jr. Pickens, known for his starring role in ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ was upbeat, but the slightly no-nonsense host provided a more thought-provoking commentary in place of the humor-driven performances delivered by other hosts. This delivery fit well inside of the curved architectural sound panels of the Skirball Cultural Center’s ballroom.
Several awards were handed out including the Lifetime Achievement award given to Chas. Floyd Johnson, producer of NBC’s ‘NCIS.’ The Entertainers of the Year Award was given to Joseph and Justine Simmons.
Performing an impromptu rap over Rev. Run’s beatboxing, Ms. Simmons showed that she too had some Hip Hop skills inside of her.
Eight student filmmakers received grants from this year’s Caucus. Racheal Bass, from Chapman University sais, “…this grant is allowing me to apply to all the major festivals that best fit the message and theme of my film.”
This year’s Caucus Awards Dinner also honored the late Lee Miller with a moving video presentation that illustrated his impact, not only on the Caucus but on the entertainment industry, in general. The Caucus also remembered Steven Bochco, Scott Carrey, Lin Bolen, and Marian Rees.
Also given awards were Sandra Stern, Caucus’ Executive of the Year, Jake Rademacher, honored for Distinguished Service and Penny Rieger, who received the Chair’s Award.
For more information about the Caucus, go to https://www.caucusfoundation.org/index.html.
The CaucusFoundation’s 36th Annual Dinner Red Carpet Images
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