Social City News by Marci Weiner

(This article was published in the Century City News on April 17, 2012)

By Marci Weiner

GENESIS AWARDS & JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Multi-talented Carrie Ann Inaba, best known as one of the three judges on Dancing with the Stars,served as Host for the 28th Genesis Awards. These awards are presented by the Humane Society to honor news and entertainment media for raising public awareness of animal issues.

This year’s recipient of the prestigious Wyler Award was Ian Somerhalder, Star of the TV hit series the Vampire Diaries. He was recognized for his dedication to animal advocacy and spreading the word about such issues as shark fining, fur in fashion and endangered species.

Other awards were presented to Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Outstanding Feature Film) The Colbert Report ) whaling issues) and the Ellen DeGeneres Show for Outstanding Talk Show, which dealt with dog fighting and puppy mills.

Among the celebrity presenters were Bill Maher, Jason Ritter, Sophia Bush, Rose McGowan, Mobyand Cloris Leachman – but the one who received the most applause was adorable Uggie, the show-stealing terrier from The Artist. Everyone wanted to pose with the precocious pup.

Kudos to Beverly Kasky, senior director of Hollywood Outreach Program and producer of the Genesis Awards – which will premiere as a one-hour special on Animal Planet on May 5th.

Another event, which you won’t want to miss, is the 7th Annual LA Jewish Film Festival, which runs from May 5-10th. They kick off their excellent line-up of 26 films with an opening night star-studded red carpet celebration and premiere of the authorized Documentary, Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardom. Some of the celebs who are in the film, will participate in a discussion proceeding the film, including Theresa Russel, Mamie Van Doren, Marian Collier and Jill Vandenberg Curtis. Others invited to attend include: Shirley Jones, Theo Bikel, Hugh Hefner, Consul General of Israel, Tia Carrere, and the stars of The Artist, Penelope Ann Miller & Ed Lauter. Wonder if Uggie will be in attendance?

For a full schedule of the films and events being offered, please check out their website www.lajfilmfest.org Remember their motto: “Our films aren’t just selected, They’re Chosen.”

Social City News by Marci Weiner

(This article originally appeared in the May 1, 2012 edition of the Century City News)

ODYSSEY BALL & AMERICAN SPIRIT AWARDS

Dancing With the Stars was well represented at the Odyssey Ball benefiting the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The ballroom of the Beverly Hilton was transformed into Club Disco, and Tony Dovolani, the talented pro from the hit TV series, served as Host, The opening act was a slew of fabulous flash mob dancers from the Calabasas High School Dance Team, which got the SRO audience into a dance frenzy. Later in the show, Grammy Award winning songwriter, producer and singer David Foster, performed with several of his friends, including opera star Katherine Jenkins, arguably the best dancer on DWTS. The blond beauty will no doubt receive the coveted mirror ball trophy. And to add to the mix, her partner, Mark Ballas was on hand to support her, as well as the irrepressible Judge Gino Tonioli, and former contestants Martina Navratilova and Marlee Matlin.

But undeniably the star of the evening was boyishly handsome Dr Lawrence Piro, who received the Duke Award (named in honor ofJohn Wayne) for his outstanding work in cancer research and treatment. Director Wolfgang Petersen (Das Boot – Air Force One) presented the award to Dr. Piro, who is regularly listed as one of the “ Best Doctors in America”. As Patrick Wayne, Chairman of the Board of the Institute stated, “We are privileged to have Dr. Piro as a member of our JWCI family, and publicly recognize his dedication to developing new cancer treatments.

Among the star-studded audience were actor Ryan O’Neil (who is currently battling cancer himself), his daughter Tatum, andAlana Stewart – who was the bff of his late partner, Farrah Fawcett, who died from cancer a few years ago. Unfortunately, like many of us, this dread disease has touched his family. Let’s pray that with the support of organizations like the John Wayne Cancer Institute, all forms of cancer will be eradicated.
The Caucus for Producers, Writers and Director Eight Annual American Spirit Awards were held in the Rodeo Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Honored guests included Congressmen Darrell Issa of San Diego, and Howard Berman of the San Fernando Valley, philanthropist Bob Barker and Larry Auerbach, Associate Dean of the USC School of Cinematic Arts.

Each speaker and honoree addressed what the American Spirit means – personally and to the world. The entertainment industry puts an image of America out to the world that is important to the safety and security of our country. It was particularly exciting to meet legendary game show host, Bob Barker, who is also a noted animal activist. He is as handsome and erudite at 89, as he was when he was the host of The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007. We love what Syd Vinnedge, former Producer of the show said about Barker: “He has done more for animals than anyone since Noah.”

Kudos to Event Chair, Producer Chuck Fries, Chairman Norman Powell, and their hard working committee for a most interesting and inspiring evening.

Social City News by Marci Weiner - SPAGO GOES ROYAL, LITERARY LUNCH & THE A GALA

(This article originally appeared in the July 26, 2011 edition of the Century City News)

SPAGO GOES ROYAL, LITERARY LUNCH & THE A GALA
The Legendary Spago Restaurant prepared a Royal Luncheon in Honor of Prince Wiliam andKate’s arrival in Los Angeles. Along with prima ballerina, Dame Nayda Koscuik of the Masterpiece Dance Theatre, renowned realtor, Rachel Shabti, and TV Reporter, Tamara Henry, we were invited to sample the Royal Menu with co-owner Barbara Lazaroff and Chef Tetsu. Some of the tasty items included: Sweet English Pea Soup, “Toad in Hole” with summer truffle, and Devon Crab Cakes.
We were photographed and interviewed by news outlets, worldwide, including Channel 7, 11, 13 and Fox News, and are seen pictured here with Anchor Rick Lozano. A tasty intro to the whirlwind tour of the Royal Couple!
Master Chef Wolfgang Puck, the aforementioned Barbara Lazaroff and Sherry Lansing will gather LA’s top restaurateurs and vintners for California Spirit XXVII on August 7th at the Pacific Design Center to benefit American Cancer Society. Tickets are $350 and can be purchased at the event website www.calspirit.org. You are invited to partake in this gourmet food experience, with live entertainment and a humongous silent auction – and help fight this dread disease at the same time.
At another fundraiser, the “A Gala” benefiting the Aviva Family and Children’s Services, we were treated to a fabulous fashion show to preview
Monique Lhuiller’s Fall Ready to Wear Collection, and an exclusive viewing of prominent jewel Martin Katz’s private collection. This gala evening at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel was reminiscent of a chic supper club, complete with martini bars, fab hors d’ oeuvres, gourmet menu and dancing.
Among those honored for the support of the Aviva were Kelly Fisher Katz, whose philanthropic efforts include the Rape Treatment Center, and the United Friends of the Children; and Lhuiller, one of the most revered designers of our time, who is very active in a variety of philanthropic endeavors. Beautiful Susan Casden and Nancy Jane Goldstone chaired the elegant evening, which supports at-risk children. Also honored was retiring President, Andrew R. Diamond, who in his 23 years of service, helped Aviva become one of the most respected programs of its kind in the nation.

Michael Douglas Carlin is the director of the movies Luvicide and American Federale. Recently he completed a ten-year stint as the Publisher and Editor of the Century City News. Here his articles turned into three books: Rise a Knight, A Prescription for Peace, and Peaceful Protests.