Harvey Fierstein Hosts 29th Artios Awards Today; Aaron Tveit, Billy Porter, Hank Azaria & More Present

The Casting Society of America (CSA will fete their own with bi-coastal award ceremonies to be held simultaneously today, November 18, 2013 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel (9876 Wilshire Blvd.) in Los Angeles (reception will commence at 6:00 p.m. PDT) and at XL Nightclub, Cabaret & Lounge (512 West 42nd Street) in New York (reception will commence at 6:00 p.m. EDT).

The ceremony in New York will be hosted by Harvey Fierstein with participating award presenters Uzo Aduba, Keegan Allen, Hank Azaria, Betsy Brandt, Danielle Brooks, Josh Charles, Gabe Ebert, Katie Finneran, Richard Kind, Zosia Mamet, Hannah Nordberg, Billy Porter, Carrie Preston, David Rasche, Condola Rashad, Corey Stoll, Daniel Sunjata, Aaron Tveit, Samara Wiley, among others.

For ticket information: For Los Angeles, contact MTA Events: (818) 906-0240; for New York, email:info@castingsociety.com. For further information, please visit: http://www.castingsociety.com/

Each year, in addition to the awards presented to casting directors for their achievements in Theatre, Television and Film casting, the Casting Society of America also recognizes industry notables with a Career Achievement Award, given in recognition of the recipient's contribution to the industry as a whole and their inclusion of the casting director in the overall creative process; The New York Apple Award, given in recognition from the casting community to an individual who has made a special commitment to the New York entertainment industry through collaboration with casting directors; and bestows the Hoyt Bowers Award on one of its own, given for outstanding contribution to the casting profession. Hoyt Bowers was a brilliant casting director and a supportive mentor. He created an atmosphere in which creativity could flourish.

This year's honorees are: In NY, Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner Michael J. Fox will receive the New York Apple Award; in LA, Nina Tassler will receive the Career Achievement Award, and Linda Lowy, the Hoyt Bowers Award.

Presented annually, the awards are given to CSA members using the criteria of originality, creativity and contribution of casting to the overall quality of a project. Named for the Greek word meaning "perfectly fitted," the Artios Awards were first given in 1985 to honor excellence in casting and was held at the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills Hotel attended by 500 industry leaders. The first New York awards were first given in 1988.

Casting Society of America (CSA) is the premiere organization of theatrical casting directors in film, television, and theatre. A united professional society, CSA consistently sets the level of professionalism in casting on which the entertainment industry has come to rely: by being passionately committed to establishing a recognized standard of professionalism in the industry, enhancing the stature of the profession in the industry, freely exchanging information and ideas among members, providing the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of its members, and providing members with professional support and resources. With more than 500 members, the CSA has representation in the United States, Canada, Europe, England, Australia, and South Africa. For further information, please visit: www.castingsociety.com.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride