Yes it is true! The Art Director’s Guild held their 11th annual awards ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel and I was lucky enough to get invited. One of my favorite people and contacts, Kristen, provided me passage into the black-tie event where I mingled with many successful production designers, art directors and what you all are mostly interested in…celebrities! I dressed in my best black suit and my Versace tie that the valet boy called me out on, haha!
(Stage of the ADG Awards)
(Kristen, looking stunning)
(Left - Ruth Ammon, Production Designer of HEROES)
The nominations for the ADG Awards range from television to film to even commercial production designs. The folks from ‘Heroes’, ‘Ugly Betty’, ‘24’, ‘MAD TV’ and more made up the TV half while the amazing production designers of such films as Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, Dreamgirls, Superman Returns, Casino Royale, Pan’s Labyrinth, and more took up the rest. Since I wasn’t affiliated with any of the nominations, I had the opportunity to be placed at random where there was room. Midway to the front stage, I was seated at a table with Sarah Wayne Callies, an actress on Fox’s ‘Prison Break’ who was presenting that evening. She was with her actor friend Johnny Messner and also sitting with Glenda Rovello. Glenda was nominated for best design for multi-camera television for her show ‘The Class’, but she is mostly known for her eight seasons with ‘Will & Grace’. Everyone looked elegant and clean in their evening attire. During the pre-show reception, I saw the familiar faces of Warren Beatty and his wife, Annette Bening, as well as John Voight, Charles Durning, Katherine Helmond and host Steven Weber.
(Johnny Messner, and Sarah Wayne Callies)
(Catherine O’Hara presenting)
While all of this may seem exciting and all, but the best was yet to come. The final presenter was one of my most beloved actresses, Catherine O’Hara. Now to those who may be unfamiliar with her extensive career, I’ll touch on some of the highlights. Delia – Beetle Juice, Kate – Home Alone, Her multiple roles in a number of Christopher Guest Films (ex: Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show), and my most favorite role as the voice of Sally – The Nightmare Before Christmas. I was thrilled to meet her after the awards so I pushed my way to the front of the stage. We exchange a few words. I told her that I was a huge fan of her career and how much she rocked my face on For Your Consideration. I mentioned how I had met Parker Posey last fall and both agreed that she is more than fantastic. Her husband eventually pulled her away and she apologized for leaving so suddenly. She was very sweet.
This was my first awards experience and I hope for many more. Next report, Oscars!
THE WINNERS:
WINNER OF EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR A FEATURE FILM IN 2006:
Period Film:
CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER Production Designer (PD): HUO TINGXIAO
Fantasy Film:
PAN'S LABYRINTH PD: EUGENIO CABALLERO
Contemporary Film:
CASINO ROYALE PD: PETER LAMONT
WINNERS FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN IN TELEVISION FOR 2006:
Single Camera Television Series:
UGLY BETTY - "THE BOX AND THE BUNNY" PD: MARK WORTHINGTON
Multiple Camera Television Series:
MAD TV - EPISODE 1207 PD: JOHN SABATO
Television Movie or Mini-Series:
STEPHEN KING'S DESPERATION PD: PHILIP DAGORT
Awards Show, Variety or Music Special, or Documentary:
58TH ANNUAL EMMY AWARDS PD: JOHN SHAFFNER & JOE STEWART
WINNER FOR EXCELLENCE IN PRODUCTION DESIGN FOR A COMMERCIAL, PROMO OR PSA:
VICTORIA'S SECRET - "SEXY" PD: JEFFREY BEECROFT
