Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1531433
30 PROP CULTURE I WINTER 2025 uniform of jeans, T-shirts, and utility belts. It was a delight to see everyone polished and poised for the red carpet. Among the artistic highlights of the evening, the event featured all original music composed for the occasion by Remy de la Mora, and an opening video celebrating craft achievements in film, television, commercials, and music videos throughout history from Charlie Chaplin's The General to Harry Styles' Watermelon Sugar, edited by Olivia "Livi" Dom. Guild President, Property Master Jeffrey Johnson's address was a comedic highlight of the evening, including Dax Sheppard in a role-reversal which had Dax pulling out a character bag, giving Johnson his watch, cleaning his glasses, and taking a continuity photo. (Dax is welcome to join our department on set any day.) A worthy highlight of the evening was when Hill Valley Humanitarian Award recipient, Property Master Russell Bobbitt, gave a moving speech about his work with disabled and disadvantaged children through the props of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He spoke of a child whose "best friend is Captain America," who was the genesis of his work connecting with kids and other Marvel enthusiasts. Russell's work bringing Marvel superheroes to life for children is truly award-worthy and a testament to the community of props. It would be remiss to not also mention the Lifetime Achievement Award presentation to legendary Property Master Emily Ferry, the first woman to join the IATSE as a Property Master. After a video highlighting her career—including Addams Family Values, Matilda, Memoirs of a Geisha, and Grace and Frankie, among others—the women Property Masters in the attendance flooded the stage to help in honoring her trailblazing career, and emblematic of the impact of shattering glass ceilings can have on multiple generations of artists. Emily spoke on the highlights and difficulties of her career, including amusing anecdotes about cursing out misogynistic directors and standing in defense of actresses before intimacy coordinators in ways, even at great personal cost. A moment of sincere and special thanks is in order to all of our industry peers who supported us by presenting awards or sending a congratulatory video of support, including actors Virginia Madsen, Dax Sheppard, Reno Wilson, Vivien Blair (accompanied by droid R5-DT), Tom Lennon, Xander Berkeley, Melissa Rauch, Quinta Brunson; core Muppet performer Bill Barretta; production designers Cat Smith, Dylan Cole, and Ben Proctor; director Zack Snyder; sponsors Gary Moore of Dell Technologies, Alice Cointe of Hill Valley, Lewis Doty of Studio Art & Technology, and Pam Elyea of History for Hire; and Property Masters Dennis Parrish, Hope Parrish, Joshua Meltzer, Chris Call, and Mary Arthurs. And, of course, a very special thanks to event producers and emcees Theresa Corvino, Brad Elliott, and Lauren Shell without whom the night would never have happened. To anyone able to attend the celebration, it was thrilling to have so many gathered together for the monumentous occasion. Those who could not, or want to relive the celebration, you can find it available to view at www. macguffinawards.com. Planning has already begun for 2025's second annual festivities. Keep an eye out for date announcements and submission details.