Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521235
M OT I O N P I CTU R E S O U N D E D I TO R S 13 example. His incredibly energetic and immersive speech was a reminder to the audience why they love being editors. The creative process can be so exhilarating, and Dane's speech was the embodiment of that innovator's energy. Up next were our two Short Form categories. Presenting these awards was longtime MPSE Board member and editor of the MPSE's own Wavelength magazine, the lovely and multi-talented Christina Horgan. The three Long Form categories were up next. Big thanks to outgoing Board member and past MPSE President David Bondelevich and longtime MPSE Board member Bill Dannevik for presenting these awards. As two retired teachers, Dave and Bill were very proud to count former students among the nominees that night. The Board will miss you, Dave! The MPSE received a record- breaking number of student film submissions this year. Narrowing it down to just eight nominees was agonizing work. We were proud to welcome back EIPMA Executive Director Bernard Weiser and Co- founder of the Vaughan Film Festival Antonio Ienco to present this award and the Ethel Crutcher Scholarship of $5,000. Win or lose, all our student nominees received gift bags filled with donated goodies from a wide range of sound companies, including Avid, Nugen Audio, Soundly, Sound Particles, Todd-AO, McDSP, DTSXperi, SoundDogs, Source Elements, and Krotos, to help get them get started in their sound careers. We are very fortunate to have their support! Our two Non-Theatrical Feature categories were announced by Hollywood veteran Adam Arkin, a longtime collaborator and friend of Michael Dinner. Adam was effusive in his admiration for Michael and credited him with launching his own directing career. Our final presenter of the evening was meant to be Hector Elizondo. Unfortunately, we were informed five days prior to the event, that Hector was having health issues and would be unable to attend. In his place, we were honored to have sci-fi film icon and PhD graduate Dr. Peter Weller. Peter's energy and humor were a fantastic way to close the show. Once the show was completed and all the trophies handed out, it was time to party! The afterparty featured energetic dance music, drinks, and a delectable array of desserts. If you missed the show, we hope to see you next year! The Matrix 25th Anniversary Special Event What a phenomenal day we had! If you love The Matrix, this was the place to be on April 6. Upon arrival, guests were invited to mingle in the lobby of the Steven J. Ross Theater on the Warner Bros. lot and take in the incredible set pieces and props from The Matrix films. There were costumes for Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus, as well as a life-sized sentinel, agents, and the infamous red leather chair where Morpheus presented Neo with the blue and red pills. Other props included the bug extractor and bugs, Tank's helmet, the lightning gun, Thomas Anderson's passport, the iconic payphone, and more. Once inside the theater, we were happy to surprise attendees with two Animatrix shorts that had never been seen on the big screen, and explained the backstory of how The Matrix came to be. The cornerstone of the event was, of course, the Dolby Atmos screening of the original Matrix film, which was nothing short of incredible. After 25 years, this film has lost none of its power. Seasoned fans, as well as newcomers were enthralled with the story and immersed in the soundscape. Once the film concluded, the audience was treated to a riveting Q&A with the Oscar-winning sound genius behind the film, Dane A. Davis, moderated by the immensely talented MPSE Vice President Eric Marks. Dane's engaging and hilarious stories about what went into making the iconic soundtrack kept guests on the edge of their seats. After the Q&A, it was time for the trivia contest and merch giveaway. Eric Marks researched some great trivia and guests were thrilled to win limited edition T-shirts and mugs with the Matrix25 logo, as well as Matrix posters signed by Dane. Our partners at Warner Bros. Post Creative Services were integral in making this event happen and we look forward to partnering with them on other events very soon. 71st Golden Reel Award Trophies and Certificates The office is working hard to deliver the 800-plus nomination certificates and 100-plus trophies from the 71st Golden Reel Awards. If you are owed either and haven't received it yet, please reach out to me at Office@MPSE.org. Collecting everyone's addresses is the most challenging part! As always, I love to hear from you. If you have comments, concerns, questions, ideas, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Have a safe and enjoyable summer!