Los Angeles Press Club Presents an Evening of Awards, Storytelling, Commitment to Action and Laughter

The Los Angeles Press Club presented its Twelfth Annual National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards and special presentations at the downtown Millennium Biltmore Hotel this past weekend.  With special guest and celebrities starting to arrive at 4:30 the hills were alive and garnished with a gleaming red carpet, bold and vibrant styles which mirrored lots of holiday season shine and carried the roar of laughter.  Celebrities from all levels were present and popped on the carpet as they whisked by to get into the silent auction and dinner set to honor and deliver the Distinguished Storyteller Award to Producer, Director, Quentin Tarantino. Guest columnist and former LA Laker’s star player, Kareem Abdul Jabbar whose presence is always elegant was on hand to lend his annual support of the Press Club one of Southern California’s oldest media outlet.  As if a night out in Hollywood wouldn’t conjure up a magic moment or two, a real-life Prince appeared. His name, Prince Mario Max Schaumberg-Lippe.  Lippe a Hollywood actor, host and royal from Europe and is the host of an entertainment-based television show in royals. He is also the newest face to our favorite, Geico.  

Kat Kramer a member of the press club’s advisory board and daughter of legendary filmmaker, Stanley Kramer was on hand to thank the club specifically President, Diana Ljungaeus, her staff of volunteers and members for such a great job at this year’s award ceremony.  Kramer auctioned a gown of Jane Fonda at the Silent Auction portion of the evening and talked about the club’s progress in cross promoting celebrities, press members and journalist at events of this kind. Actor, Rosanna Arquette was on hand to offer the Impact Award to Tarana Burke the founder of the now 13-year-old “MeToo Movement. The Impact Award acknowledges those honorees who have influenced and help to bring change to society and can culture. Captured at prime-time Burke spoke of how the movement was a community collaboration and not of her doing alone. To support all women in particular black women. When teased about her role in Tarantino’s cult classic, Pulp Fiction and her owning how many studs Arquette replied that she had not seen Tarantino since the film and was looking forward to doing more comedy roles.

Luminary Award handed to Ben Mankiewicz who known for his career of stellar achievements as commentary, columnist and critic was warm and informative as he stepped onto the carpet hot spot ready and willing to answer questions about how he came to be illuminated and what it felt like.  A favorite of yours, mine and everyone else’s, actor, funny and downright likable, Danny Trejo, took home the night’s Visionary Award for his humanitarian efforts in the fields of, Website and Publication, Journalist and also, Photographer of the Year.  Legendary actor, Ann-Margret walked away with the Legend Award. Comic, Alonzo Bodden was on hand to lighten the evening with a bit of humor and soulful connection as he talked abut lights dimming and the music volume going up if he talked too long and his being black was the reason behind it.

They made the grand stage available for the highlight of the evening. Jamie Foxx appeared to give a hearty yet quick rundown of funny moments with legendary storyteller, Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino was the honorary recipient of the press club’s Storyteller Award and was on hand to pay special tribute to actor and legend, Robert Forster who recently transitioned. Tarantino told stories of Forster and how he came to get the part in the movie Jackie Brown.  Forster played the part of Max Cherry a prominent bails bondman who leaves the business after getting the infamous Jackie Brown played by Pam Grier out of jail.  Awards given out to students and local media outlets gave the event a special feeling as the excitement of all who do the work came full circle.

As the evening closed all who attended appeared satisfied. Everyone wore a smile and laughed on happy stomachs. Ate with refreshed palettes and had a good time.  

Well, like they say in the movies, it has been another 15Minutes the Show production.

For more information on the Los Angeles Press Club please visit www.lapresssclub.org.