Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1533995
M OT I O N P I CTU R E S O U N D E D I TO R S 5 Our three Long Form categories were presented by accomplished supervising sound editor Brad North, who is currently working with our Filmmaker Award honoree Kevin Costner on his Horizon series. Brad had the added honor of going home with a Golden Reel Award in the Broadcast Animation category. We were pleased to welcome back Bernard Weiser, Executive Director of EIPMA, and Antonio Ienco, co-founder of the Vaughan International Film Festival, to present the Verna Fields Student Award and accompanying $5,000 Ethel Crutcher Scholarship. Thanks to the extreme generosity of our student sponsors, all our student nominees received gift bags valued at more than $4,000 each, which they were given on the party bus during their tour of various studios around Los Angeles like Warner Bros., Formosa Group, and Deluxe. The MPSE congratulates all the student nominees on their exceptional work, and we hope to hear more from them in the future. Our two Non-Theatrical categories were presented by last year's winner in the Feature Documentary category, the one- and-only Mark Mangini. Mark has been a terrific friend to the MPSE for years and we just love to work with him. He always brings class and thoughtfulness. The MPSE was beyond honored to bestow our Filmmaker Award to Hollywood icon and two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Costner. Kevin's award was presented by his longtime friend and collaborator, Mike Binder. Mike spoke lovingly of Kevin's work ethic, personal ethics, and his genuine love for film and all aspects of our industry. Then Kevin took the stage and absolutely wowed the crowd with a beautiful, heartfelt love letter to the entertainment business. He spoke about how his humble beginnings have kept him grounded through all his stratospheric successes, and touched everyone's hearts when he said, "Sound still remains the single greatest contribution to filmmaking, and it's why the world still continues to cherish this art form." Interacting with Kevin backstage, it was clear that every word Mike spoke was true. Kevin was kind, attentive, and generous with everyone. The big surprise of the evening was our presenter for the three Feature categories, the legendary Annette Bening! Ms. Bening is not only a former co-star and good friend of Kevin Costner, but she is also the spokesperson for the MPSE's wildfire charity, the Entertainment Community Fund. We were incredibly proud to have her, and she was wonderful to work with. It's easy to see how she and Kevin are friends. After the show was over and the last award was handed out, it was time to party! Guests were treated to a sumptuous array of dinner options from short ribs to spicy gnocchi to lemon thyme chicken. Sides included garlic mashed potatoes, fresh spring salad, fresh vegetables, lentils, and of course, an open bar. We were happy to provide multiple delectable options for our vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free friends at every buffet, as well as five outrageously delicious desserts to choose from. Returning to the DJ booth was LA's own DJ Albert, who took a break from being Britney Spears' DJ to spin energetic dance hits while our guests boogied the night away. He knows how to get everyone moving! The office will spend the next few months sending out nomination certificates. Please take a quick moment to check your member profile and make sure we have your current address. The MPSE extends our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped put this show together. It is a true labor of love for everyone involved. If we didn't get to host you this year, I hope we have the pleasure of seeing you in 2026. Keep an eye on your email because the MPSE has a full roster of events planned for the rest of the year, both abroad and stateside. We hope you'll join us! As always, I love to hear from members. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with questions, ideas, or concerns at office@mpse.org. I hope you all have a beautiful and productive spring!