Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1521562
10 S U M M E R 2 0 2 4 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y Tavish Grade Career Achievement recipient Joe Earle CAS Peter Devlin CAS and Nina Rice CINEMA AUDIO SOCIETY M arch 2nd marked the 60th Annual CAS Awards, which doubled as my very first CAS Awards experience, held at the incredibly swank and iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel. It was an incredible gathering that was a bit overwhelming for me and other newly minted CAS Associates, who were in attendance. Once I gathered myself and met CAS-mates in person that I had known for about a year since joining, I was able to take in the full magnitude of an organization of sound professionals that have literally shaped the landscape of the entertainment industry since well before I was born. The Dolby-sponsored cocktail reception proved to be the perfect icebreaker where attendees mingled, caught up with colleagues, met new ones, and partook in various drinks and appetizers prior to ushering themselves to their seats for dinner. I found myself chatting with new friends while sipping on a very plain glass of orange juice and discovered that I would be seated at Table 220 where, unbeknownst to me, an "awarding" surprise would ensue later that evening. After an incredible meal, our master of ceremonies was the illustrious humorist, author, and radio personality, Tom Papa, who truly set the tone with his introductory stand-up routine curated just for the CAS crowd. Admittedly, I didn't know the people I was seated with, but there's something about shared laughter that connects complete strangers, fostering genuine conversation and human connection. Throughout the evening, his voice would usher us in and out of segments quite seamlessly, conjuring joy and laughter, crafting new friendships, and never allowing for a single dull moment, proving that Papa did indeed know best. With the awards ceremony being the main event, seven categories would honor the teams filled with incredibly talented nominees (and winners) who exemplify and define the meaning of sound mixing excellence. These categories were: Motion Pictures – Live Action, Motion Pictures – Animated, Motion Pictures – Documentary, Non-Theatrical Motion Pictures or Limited Series, Television Series – One Hour, Television Series – Half-Hour, and Television Non-Fiction, Variety or Music – Series or Specials. The awards were presented by CAS members who were each paired with some of the most renowned actors and entertainment professionals in their respective industries. Award presenters included Jeremy Piven, Omar Dorsey, Jeff Garlin, Cristo Fernández, Shameik Moore, Steven Weber, Bruce Greenwood, and Diane Warren. 60TH ANNUAL CAS AWARDS b y C A S A s s o c i a t e G r e g o r y C . V i l f r a n c M P S E Filmmaker Award recipient J.J. Abrams Scott D. Smith CAS