Four entertainment and media icons of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists—Jeanne Cooper, Smokey Robinson, Vin Scully, and the late Don LaFontaine—were honored on Monday, March 9 at the 2009 AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards (The AMEES) at the Millennium Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles.
The gala dinner event brought in more than 340 guests and raised money for the AFTRA Foundation, a charitable and education organization funded through tax-deductible contributions, grants, and bequests to support projects outside the scope of normal AFTRA activities, including charitable events, special conferences, studies, seminars, and other endeavors critical to AFTRA members, such as the International News Safety Institute, the only global organization solely dedicated to the safety of journalists and other news professionals.
|
|
|
|
The late voiceover artist, Don LaFontaine, who passed away in September 2008, was honored with the AMEE Tribute Award in Voiceover Artistry. Known as the "King of Voiceovers," the tribute award was presented by another legendary voiceover artist, George DelHoyo, to LaFontaine's widow, singer Nita Whitaker-LaFontaine.
"Don loved AFTRA more than anyone could possibly know," Whitaker-LaFontaine said. "As he used to say, 'My admiration for AFTRA and AFTRA members cannot be overstated.' He was always proud to be an AFTRA member and work under AFTRA contracts. I wish he were here tonight to see this room so full of his friends and colleagues and so full of the same love and passion that fueled his life and work. This award is a true blessing and and I am very honored to accept it on his behalf."
|
The AMEES recognize members of AFTRA, the people who entertain and inform America, who have made a significant contribution to American culture. The AMEES were created in 2003 to honor AFTRA members for excellence in their craft and their contributions to the fields of media and entertainment. Proceeds from the 2009 AMEE Awards go to benefit the AFTRA Foundation.
Click here to view photos from the 2009 AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards.