Local 706 - The Artisan

THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2021 • 15 Local 706 Inaugural Vanguard Award Recipients IATSE PRESIDENT MATTHEW LOEB'S REMARKS ONTHE GUILD NEWS GUILD NEWS Brothers and Sisters, I am truly honored tonight to inau- gurate the IATSE Local 706 Vanguard Awards. Vanguard means "a group of people leading the way in new development or ideas at the forefront of an action or movement." It's a fancy way of saying "old"—but we'll take it. Wisdom is passed down, the craft is taught to new generations, and the art form continues to thrive. We owe where we are right now to those who came before us—so to honor that lineage is wonderful and "I'm here for it" as the kids say. The legends we honor tonight are truly vanguards. Some watching tonight may be unaware of their histories but we are now taking this opportunity to joyously celebrate these legacies. We'll start with Bernadine Anderson During a time when African Americans working at the major studios was non- existent, Bernadine proved that anything is possible by breaking two barriers at once. Prior to Bernadine, only men were allowed to become make-up artists, and she was also denied the right to follow her dream because of the color of her skin. She had established herself as an accomplished artist in independent films with skills that rivaled all of the men— from beauty to prosthetics, she could do it all. Everything except become a union member. Her tenacity and professional- ism achieved the impossible. Determined to level the playing field for all Americans, Anderson filed a feder- al class action discrimination lawsuit … and won! Shortly afterward in 1972— nearly 50 years ago—she earned a three- year apprenticeship with Warner Bros., and the playing field had a new winner. She accomplished what women before her had only dreamed of, she broke so many barriers. Word of Bernadine's vast talent spread throughout the industry and Jane Fonda hired Bernadine as her personal make-up artist on Fun with Dick and Jane, the beginning of a relationship that lasted more than 10 of the most iconic and popular films of that time. When Jane took a break from acting, Bernadine met tonight's Distinguished Artisan recipient, Eddie Murphy. As the Department Head in 1983's Coming to America, the world laughed uproarious- ly with the iconic and beloved charac- ters that have now been recreated more than 30 years later in Coming 2 America. Bernadine went on to work with Eddie Murphy for another 10 years. Our other Vanguard Award is presented ... to Richard Battle Amid the swelling overtures of the orchestra, the graceful but grueling ath- leticism of the dancers, his tutelage and mentorship leaves a legacy of supremely talented make-up artists and hair styl- ists who have gone on to create ethereal worlds of ballet and opera, the bright lights of Broadway and touring theater companies, and award winners in film and television. Richard took over the San Francisco Ballet's make-up and wig department and remained for more than 40 years. Decades ahead of today's cap- tured and broadcast performances, the San Francisco Ballet produced telecasts and live TV performances still memo- rable to this day. In 1976, Romeo and Juliet became the first full-length ballet and the first performance by a West Coast company to be shown on the PBS television series Dance in America. In 1981, The Tempest was the first bal- let ever broadcast live from the War Memorial Opera House and was nomi- nated for three Emmy Awards—one was for Richard's make-up design. Richard's gracious humility spoke volumes. "Oh, From top: Bernadine Anderson, make-up; Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall in Coming to America; Murphy in Another 48 Hrs.; Jane Fonda in The Electric Horseman. From top: Richard Battle, hair styling; PBS Great Performances: Dance in America.

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