Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1251534
35 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2020 | sagaftra.org Foundation Celebrates 4th Annual Patron of the Artists Awards F rom left, actors Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Aniston, writer-producer Greg Berlanti and director Ava DuVernay were the honorees at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's fourth annual Patron of the Artists Awards, held in Beverly Hills on Nov. 7. There was also a ceremony honoring outgoing president JoBeth Williams for a decade of service and introducing actor Courtney B. Vance as the new SAG-AFTRA Foundation president. SAG-AFTRA CELEBRATES DISABILITY REPRESENTATION IN MEDIA Honoree Nyle DiMarco, a model and deaf advocate, left, and Secretary-Treasurer Camryn Manheim, who is fluent in American Sign Language, hold the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the 40th Media Access Awards on Nov. 14. Along with DiMarco, Massachusetts-based nonprofit the Ruderman Foundation was recognized with the SAG-AFTRA Disabilities Awareness Award for activism and advocacy for those with disabilities. The awards highlight works and individuals who promote disabilities and its depictions in film, television and new media. GIVING VOICE TO INCLUSION SAG-AFTRA National Board member and Diversity Advisory Committee Chair Jason George, center, participated on a panel about the benefits of joining a union and the strength of collective bargaining at the inaugural Essence House: Hollywood event on Feb. 7. Joining him, from left, hairstylist Kim Kimble, makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood and Essence News & Politics Director Yesha Callahan, who moderated. AARON J. THORTON/GETTY IMAGES BREAKING BARRIERS SAG-AFTRA member Zack Gottsagen made history at the 2020 Academy Awards as the first-ever Oscar presenter with Down syndrome. Gottsagen presented alongside Shia LaBeouf, his co-star in The Peanut Butter Falcon. CRAIG SJODIN/ABC MAARTEN DE BOER JOSHUA BLANCHARD/GETTY IMAGES