PBIFF Awards Gala Honors Achievements In Film

In its 13 years of existence, the Palm Beach International Film Festival has honored Hollywood stars and put the spotlight on aspiring filmmakers in South Florida.

Over one million dollars of festival proceeds have been donated to area school's film and television programs in the forms of grants and scholarships.

The PBIFF held a star-studded, black-tie awards gala Friday to hand out awards for outstanding achievements in film.

"We are truly thrilled with this year's lineup of honorees for the festival's gala. They are remarkable representatives for each of their genres," commented PBIFF Director Randi Emerman.

The night started with a performance from the New Jersey Nets Senior Dance Team. Four members of the 13-person team (12 women, 1 man) took the stage for a dance routine donning jerseys with their ages on the back.

A documentary shown during the festival entitled "Gotta Dance" chronicles the maturation of the NBA's first-ever senior citizen dance team from auditions and rehearsal through center-court debut.

PBIFF Commissioner Burt Aaronson took the stage to present the winners of the Student Award, who systematically took the stage to accept the award in front of over 300 attendees.

Over 2600 students are currently enrolled in year-long programs that include seminars, workshops and "hands-on" experience with filmmakers and industry professionals. The Student Showcase of Films held during the film festival showcases winners of competitions for scholarships and grants given to high school, community college and university student filmmakers.

The Horizon Award was presented to AnnaSophia Robb. Robb has appeared in several very popular films, including "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (2005), Bridge to Terabithia (2007), and "Race to Witch Mountain" (2009). She won "Leading Young Actress" at the 2008 Young Artist Awards for her role in "Bridge To Terabithia".

The Career Achievement Award was presented to James Cromwell. Cromwell has been nominated for an Oscar, three Emmy Awards, and four Screen Actors Guild Awards during his 34-year career. His filmography includes such blockbusters as "L.A. Confidential", "The Green Mile", and "Spider Man 3".

The 69-year old Hollywood veteran expressed the importance of local film festivals and their contribution to young filmmakers.

"The significance of festivals like the (PBIFF) is without dispute," Cromwell said. "Their support of aspiring filmmakers is what the future of film depends on."

Director Joel Zwick was honored with the Visionary Award. Zwick has directed 525 television episodes, including 21 pilots. His movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", was first shown at the PBIFF and went on to become the highest grossing romantic comedy of all time.

Tom Hanks, who produced "My Big Fat Greek Wedding", recorded a video that was shown prior to the award presentation. Hanks spoke of Zwick's outstanding vision and their long-standing friendship.

The Showmanship Award was presented to Emmy, Tony and SAG Award winner and Golden Globe Award-nominee Christine Baranski in "celebration of her multi-faceted career." Baranksi has been commended for her performances on the stage, big screen and small screen.

Baranski won the 1984 Tony Award Best Featured Actress in a Play for her Broadway performance in Tom Stoppard's "The Real Thing". She won an Emmy Award in 1996 for Best Supporting Actress in a Quality Comedy Series for her work on the CBS Sitcom "Cybill". Baranski has also appeared in such feature films as "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000) and "Chicago" (2002).

The gala helped raise money for the year-long support of aspiring filmmakers with silent and live auction items. Seats to the event ranged from $500-$1000, with all proceeds going to the non-profit organization.

A staple in the South Florida community, the festival has been recognized by MovieMaker magazine as one of the "Top 10 Destination Film Festivals in the World".

The PBIFF runs from April 23-27. For more information, visit http://www.pbifilmfest.org/.