Publicists Shine at 42nd Annual Awards

More than 900 publicity and marketing executives, producers, studio and network executives, celebrities and press braved torrential rains to join Local 600 members for the ICG 42nd Annual Publicists Awards on Feb. 22 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

PR agency owner Annett Wolf took home the Les Mason Award, the highest honor the union can bestow on one of our members.

The Maxwell Weinberg Publicists Showmanship Award for Movies went to publicists at Universal Pictures for their efforts in behalf of Ray. The team included Tahli Abramovitch, Tony Angellotti, Julie Brantley, Jim Chaparas, Hollace Davids, Bette Einbinder, David Ferguson, William Hendley, Cathy Hsia, Megan Lichko, Mark Markline, Elena O'Gorman and Rosalind Stevenson. ABC publicists Erin Felentzer and Ellen Gonzalez claimed the Maxwell Weinberg Publicists Showmanship Award for Television for their work on Desperate Housewives.

The Late Late Show host Craig Ferguson presided over the ceremony – which was highlighted by National President Gary Dunham’s tribute to historic milestones reached by Variety on its 100th Anniversary, Technicolor on its 90th, The Hollywood Reporter on its 75th, Twentieth Century Fox on its 75th and Panavision on its 50th. IATSE International President Tom Short made opening remarks.

Lifetime Achievement Award winner Julie Andrews graciously thanked the publicists after receiving an extended tribute from presenter Gary Marshall. “The magic that publicists weave makes our dreams come true, she noted. “You endure the headaches it takes to reel us in when we’re too big for our boots. You advise us in our confusion. And you steer us away from the many pitfalls that threaten those of us lucky enough to hit the jackpot in the amazing world.”

Tom Selleck dedicated the 2005 Publicists Directory of Members to veteran publicist Esme Chandlee. “Still going strong in a career that’s lasted more than sixty years, her integrity and no-nonsense style have earned her the respect of fellow publicists, the media and, above all, her clients,” said Selleck.

Ralph Nelson claimed the Award for Excellence in Unit Still Photography. His credits include Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Ocean’s 12 and Bruce Almighty.

The Bob Yeager Award, which recognizes outstanding community service, went to unit publicist Paul Gendreau who prepares and delivers 300-400 lunches to the homeless in downtown Los Angeles every month.

James Cameron presented the Motion Picture Showmanship Award to Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairmen Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman. “Their recognition of marketing as a key element in the distribution of motion pictures has led to their company’s current box office successes,” said Cameron.

Publicists Award Chair Henri Bollinger presents Annett Wolf with her award.

Marg Helgenberger presented the Television Showmanship Award to the executive producers and co-creators of CBS-TV’s CSI franchise; Carol Mendelsohn (CSI), Ann Donahue (CSI:Miami) and Anthony E. Zuiker (CSI:NY). “Their accomplishments are unique in the annals of television in that they created and produced three different series under one corporate brand that went on to become among the most successful programs on television today, both in terms of ratings and content quality,” said Helgenberger.

Rob Schneider presented the Press Award to Los Angeles Daily News film critic Bob Strauss. British director Danny Boyle presented the International Media Award to British journalist Jenny Cooney Carrillo.

For other 2005 Publicists Awards news, click here.