The Motion Picture and Television Fund's 'Reel Stories, Real Lives' Event Celebrates 90 Years

The entertainment industry turned out in full-force tonight in support of the Motion Picture & Television Fund's (MPTF) "Reel Stories, Real Lives," a unique evening of powerful readings which told the stories of industry members and their families who have benefitted from MPTF's services over the years. The event, held at Milk Studios, was hosted by Robert Downey Jr. and featured performances put together by renowned Hollywood actors, actresses, writers and directors who have been touched by the generosity the MPTF has been able to inspire within the industry. Hollywood's best and brightest were asked to support the organization's commitment to the entertainment industry and get involved.

The event honored The Hollywood Reporter's Next Generation Class of 2011: Top 35 Under 35, a select group of up-and-comers in the business. MPTF will partner with this group to continue the tradition of giving back to 'take care of our own.' The Next Generation recipients are chosen based on their proven success in developing and initiating projects, their reputation among their peers and the potential others see in them to rise to the top. The list has included Stacey Snider, Mike De Luca, Ari Emanuel, Amy Baer, Ben Silverman, Sue Naegle, Donna Langley and Kevin Huvane -- the very people who are now running the industry. Among those included on this year's list are: Armie Hammer, actor in "J. Edgar"; Adepero Oduye, actress in "Pariah"; Elizabeth Olsen, actress in "Martha Marcy May Marlene"; Dee Rees, writer-director of "Pariah"; Lauren Abrahams, director of production at Columbia Pictures; and Dana Archer, EVP at DDA PR.

"'Reel Stories, Real Lives' is truly a special evening as it captures the spirit of the entertainment industry, an extended family of professionals who make all the magic of Hollywood possible," said Ken Scherer, CEO of the MPTF Foundation. "Everyone involved in tonight's event, from the writers to the producers, were touched by the stories they lovingly brought to life."

The show was hosted by Robert Downey Jr., with readings performed by Jodie Foster, Jennifer Garner, Chris Pine & Robert Pine, Nick Offerman, and Josh Brolin, and musical performances by Megan Mullally and Supreme Music Group. Features were written and directed by Hollywood heavyweights Chris Weitz, Scott Frank, Dan Fogelman, Will Fetters, John Requa & Glenn Ficarra, and Michele & Kieran Mulroney. The event was produced by A. Scott Berg, Bill Gerber, Kevin McCormick, Karen Rosenfelt, Greg Sills and Courtenay Valenti.

"I congratulate the 35 individuals who have been selected for The Hollywood Reporter's Next Gen Class of 2011. Tonight's event not only celebrates their recognition as future leaders of our industry, but also provides a great opportunity to honor a Hollywood tradition of caring for our own by supporting the MPTF," said Jeffrey Katzenberg CEO of Dreamworks Animation and Chairman of the MPTF Foundation. "It is terrific that this event has brought together a new generation of leaders committed to keeping the 90-year tradition of caring alive."

The evening drew many of young Hollywood's talents, including Russell Brand, Scott Caan, FeliciTy Jones and Mireille Enos, among others.

"I am proud to be part of this evening. Tonight was a reminder to all of Hollywood that it is important to continue taking care of our own. The stories told during the evening exemplify the MPTF's critical need to the entertainment industry," said Diane Nelson, President of DC Entertainment, MPTF Board member and chairperson of MPTF's next generation support group."

Presenting sponsors of "Reel Stories, Real Lives" included The Hollywood Reporter and A+E Network.

 

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