Monday, November 19, 2007 - Keith Mattingly, Socal.com Writer
The red carpet at the 15th Annual Diversity Awards on November 18th, 2007, was filled with fashion and glamour as always, but also took on a serious note as stars shared their experiences and aspirations with regard to expanding Hollywood diversity. Taking place at Universal City's Globe Theatre, the Multicultural Motion Picture Association (MMPA) event served as a reminder of the media's duty to accurately inform as well as entertain.
The film and television industries have long taken blows for not including or fairly representing America's minority population, whether it be race, religion, creed, or simple ideology and background. Undoubtedly, the industry has been making constant
and commendable headway throughout the past few decades, with many stars and critics alike praising the progessive work of producers and casting directors. The event, however, serves as an important reminder to everyone of the issues that we face not just in Hollywood but also off the set throughout America.
Rex Lee of "Entourage" was on hand.
On hand to promote this cause were a plethora of celebrities representing all colors and creeds. Mo'Nique, the heavy-set African American entertainer known for playing Nikki on "The Parkers," received this year's Innovator Award for her moving role as Jazmin Biltmore on "Phat Girlz." Echoing the struggles and values emphasized on the show, she professed in her acceptance speech to "dream the impossible dream. Look at me – I'm 250 lbs., I'm black, and I'm a woman." Her words were inspirational to everyone in the room, whether or not they've encountered such obstacles.
Joining Mo'Nique from the cast of "Phat Girlz" was Haitian sensation Jimmy Jean-Louis; he plays the supportive Dr. Tunde, whose Nigerian heritage has instilled the beauty of size as a sign of wealth and prosperity. Jazmin becomes enamored by Dr. Tunde's guidance and admiration, and through his advice learns to embrace her size despite all the external pressure to lose weight. Jean-Louis is also known for his role as The Haitian on "Heroes" – a cast whose harmonious diversity he praised.
Hairspray's Elijah Kelley and High School Musical's Brittany Snow represented the musical contingent, and were honored with the awards, respectively. Snow drew attention to the obvious fact that she is blonde and blue-eyed, and spoke of the importance of less obvious types of diversity such as family upbringing, beliefs, and moral and political ideology.
Actor/rapper Romeo, who is headed to USC on a basketball scholarship
E! Entertainment's Kevin Frazier (host of weekend editions of "Entertainment Tonight") and Debbie Matenopoulos of "Daily Ten" co-hosted the awards.
Giving live performances were blues singer and guitarist Michael Grimm and Atlanta rap trio Shop Boyz, who performed their smash hit, "Party Like a Rockstar." DJ StoneRokk spun the tracks before the awards presentation got underway, and the young Omni Dancers from High School Musical gave a special performance to commence the show.
On hand to accept "The Office"'s award for Favorite Comedy Ensemble was Leslie David Baker, who shared his wisdom and observations about Hollywood's portrayal. He confirmed that there has been a change throughout his years, but that there is much room for improvement. "As I sit and watch the old movies and TV shows, I notice that in some instances there was more diversity then than there is today," he explained. "We need to have shows, movies, and commercials that demonstrate the diversity that's in America." He believes most filmmakers have the best intentions, but some producers and casting directors "have tunnel vision" and are not fully aware of the true dynamic of diversity that typifies the American workplace.
Other celebrity guest attendees included actor-rapper Romeo (formerly Lil' Romeo), who was fresh off of signing a letter of intent to play basketball for the USC Trojans next year (and study as well, of course). Up and coming 18 year-old recording artist Lia Marie talked about her music, which she describes as mainstream pop influenced by Madonna in her early years (think "Borderline" and "Holiday").
Jimmy Jean-Louis also stopped by for some warm, jovial press time, sharing his personal experience as a native Haitian and praising the 2005 Academy Awards Best Picture-winning Crash for its moving portrayal and elucidation of race relations and tension in Los Angeles. "Work Out" star Jackie Warner also talked about her experiences, helping people who feel alienated and insecure in the demanding and sometimes superficial world of Hollywood style and glamour. Fittingly, the show had a diverse range of diversity itself on display.
High School Musical's Omni Dancers performed as a prelude to the awards presentation.
The black tie event, which included both a silent and live auction, raised thousands of dollars for the MMPA’s Educational and Development Scholarship Fund, which helps helps dedicated students and aspiring filmmakers break into the film and televsion industries. Preceding the awards was a Celebrity VIP Reception as well as the silent auction, which included memorabilia items such as a basketball signed by all the members of the original USA Dream Team. The three-course dinner was catered by Wolfgang Puck, and included wine, cocktails, and a champagne toast. MMPA president and Executive Producer of the Diversity Awards Jarvee E. Hutcherson gave the final words, thanking everyone who contributes to the collaborative and ongoing effort to bring diversity to the television set and the big screen.
LINKS:
http://www.thediversityawards.org
http://www.thelongnightmovie.com/
http://www.myspace.com/thelongnightme
http://www.myspace.com/shopboyz
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