Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521235
12 M PS E . O R G Golden Reel Awards It was another fabulous evening celebrating the best in sound and music editing for 2023! We were once again at the gorgeous and historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre, where guests were treated like Hollywood royalty. The evening began with a sumptuous dinner and open bar, which gave our attendees plenty of time to savor the food and visit with friends and colleagues. We even crafted a specialty drink, The Golden Reel, to celebrate our nominees. We were happy to provide a wide range of delicious dinner options, taking into consideration the needs of our vegetarian, vegan, and gluten- free friends. There was something delectable for everyone. We were proud and honored to have the hilarious Patton Oswalt return as our host. He never disappoints! Patton has become a good friend to the MPSE and we look forward to having him back. The show kicked off with two very important speeches; one from our FROM THE MPSE OFFICE Greetings, wonderful members! Here's what's been happening at the MPSE office… outgoing President, Mark Lanza, and the other from our incoming President, David Barber. Mark's speech was very heartfelt and sentimental as he recalled his four years at the helm. He thanked everyone who helped him accomplish his dreams for the MPSE, including an especially sweet and touching thanks to his lovely wife. Dave's speech was inspiring and energetic, while he detailed the past successes and future plans for the organization. There are big things on the horizon! One thing is certain, the MPSE remains in excellent hands. Once again, we had an incredible slate of presenters for the show, with our first being MPSE Sergeant at Arms Solange Schwalbe, who presented all three of our animation categories, and graced the stage in her signature feather boa. Solange always brings the style! Next up was veteran actor and returning presenter Michael O'Neill ( AIR, Seabiscuit, Dallas Buyers Club), who announced the three awards for documentaries. Michael had the pleasure of working with our Filmmaker Award honoree, Michael Dinner, and had some glowing remarks about the time he spent on set with him. We were ecstatic to have acclaimed director/producer Jon Avnet ( Black Swan, Fried Green Tomatoes, Risky Business) present to this year's Filmmaker Award honoree. Jon spoke so highly of the contributions of the sound community and what a champion they have in Michael Dinner. The highlight reel of Michael's work left the audience breathless! Michael Dinner had a special recorded congratulatory message from Justified colleagues Timothy Olyphant and Walton Goggins, who hammed it up for the audience with a hilarious "story" about Michael, which was full of holes and salacious silliness. But more importantly, they relayed their respect and admiration for Michael, both in his work and personal lives. Michael Dinner gave a beautiful and heartfelt speech thanking the sound community for "sitting in dark rooms making magic" and providing "the visceral heartbeat of filmmaking." As a man with a strong background in music, Michael understands and appreciates the immense power of sound, and it was our honor to present him with this award. Getting back to handing out Golden Reel Awards, next up were our three gaming categories. Presenting these categories was MPSE Treasurer Christopher Reeves. This year, a different project won each category. So much outstanding work was done! The MPSE was immensely proud to honor longtime member and sound icon, Dane A. Davis, with our Career Achievement Award. From his Academy Award-winning work on The Matrix, to his prolific internship program, Dane has been a leader and a champion in the sound community for decades. Dane also had some recorded messages of congratulations from The Matrix, writer/director Lilly Wachowski, Warner Bros. Executive VP of Worldwide Post Production Creative Services Kim Waugh, and accomplished sound veteran Stephanie Flack. It is clear that Dane's talent and contributions are respected and appreciated. Dane's award was presented by three graduates of his internship program: Stephanie Brown, Jeremy Peirson, and Bill Dean. The trio gave great insight into what a whirlwind it can be to work with Dane. And then Dane took the stage and gave everyone a real-life TRACIE M. COSTABILE BUSINESS AFFAIRS OFFICE MANAGER