‘MADE IN NEW YORK’ AWARDS 2012
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanNew York City is the land of opportunity and draws so many industries into its open arms. The city proudly recognizes the film and television industry which generated $7.1 billion in 2011. So many talented actors, directors and producers are part of what makes the creative community in New York City shine for the world to admire.
Studies have proven that New York City’s film sector is infinitely strong and continues to bring in much needed revenue and stimulates the local economy. Over 130,000 people are now employed in this sector, an increase of 30,000 jobs since 2004. Not only is New York City the fashion capital of the world but it can also boast being the entertainment capital of the world. As you turn on the television or go to the movie theater, you will recognize a building, a street or a neighborhood that looks familiar within the city.
Each year, “Made in NY” Awards Ceremony honors individuals and organizations that have contributed so much to New York City’s entertainment industry. This year, the awards presentation was held at Gracie Mansion with Mayor Michael Bloomberg officiating along with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner, Katherine L. Oliver. This marked the 7th year since the inception of the awards.
The winning individual honorees this year were:
Robert De Niro – Academy Award-winning actor, director and producer who is multi-talented and has also received the Kennedy Honor for his lifetime contribution to film. He was President of Jury at the 64th Cannes Film Festival and has also earned one of the greatest honors of all time, the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. Being co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival is one of his key contributions to the city.
Meryl Streep – Academy Award-winning actress, her talent spans the years for over 40 years of service and that in itself is testament to her talent. Streep has served as spokesperson for the proposed National Women’s History Museum. She is an environmental advocate and lends her efforts to Women for Women International, Women in the World Foundation and Partners in Health. Her additional awards are very impressive: Lifetime Achievement Award by the American Film Institute, a 2008 honor by the Film Society of Lincoln Center, 2010 National Medal of Arts by President Obama and the 2011 Kennedy Center Honor.
Whoopi Goldberg – Academy Award, Emmy, Tony and Grammy Winner, Whoopi is one of those actresses that is loved by all and her accomplishments prove that. She has also taken hearts with her humanitarian efforts for children, homeless, human rights, education, substance abuse, battle against AIDS and other strong causes. Perhaps the greatest proof of all is her title of Goodwill Ambassador to the United Nations. She has had some memorable roles that exude her endless talent.
Kelly Ripa – Actress and Television host, Kelly is beautiful in so many ways and truly portrays the spirit of New York City. She is a co-winner of the 2011 Daytime Entertainment Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host for “LIVE”. In addition to television, she has film credits to her name and she also oversees her Soho-based production company, Milojo Productions, with her husband. That production company has been putting out some outstanding documentaries.
The winning organization honorees are:
Kickstarter – The world’s largest funding platform for creative projects. They have hosted a multitude of creators who bring their community to life.
@radical.media – A global transmedia company creating some of the most innovative content across all platforms. They use the world of media to get award-winning projects out there. They have successful films and shows to their credit. They also participate in charitable programs and contribute to public awareness campaigns. This is not their first award and it will definitely not be their last.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to two veterans of the entertainment industry, Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller.
They are true representatives of the greatness of what New York City has to offer. They have a knack of laughter and humor and yet can be serious in an instant which are qualities of excellent actors. They are the legendary husband-and-wife comedy team that have entertained us for decades.
Performing live during the evening was Raven-Symone’ and the cast of the Broadway Musical ‘Sister Act’.
Mayor Bloomberg has much to be proud of. It was a record-breaking year for New York City’s entertainment and digital media industries.
Recently, the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment launched a new PSA campaign personifying what New York City is all about. Local New Yorkers working behind the scenes in film and television production are the campaign and the phrase, “Reel Jobs. Reel Proud. Real New Yorkers” sums it up perfectly. Travel throughout the city and you will see this phrase again and again on local AMC Theaters, on television, on TAXI TV, in subways, on bus shelters and on NYC.gov.
Video profiles featuring intimate conversations with each of the honorees have been produced and are available to watch online at facebook.com/NYCMINY and NYC.gov. The videos were created with the support of various guilds and studios and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment wishes to thank the guilds, Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Television and SOFA Entertainment for their assistance.
PHOTO CREDITS: Roland Hyde Photo, www.nyc.gov, Getty Images and www.zimbio.com
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