SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA Summer 2012

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Matloff, a journalist and educator, spoke to the AMEES audience of the importance of not only the work of INSI, but of the Foundation. "I can't thank the AFTRA Foundation broadcasters and news professionals worldwide. Since 2003, the AFTRA Foundation has provided the U.S. home of INSI. INSI North America Advisor Judith presenter's. "The truth of the matter is," he said Fornatale's comedic skills rivaled his upon reaching the podium to accept his AMEE, "I'm the only one being honored here tonight that I've never heard of — seriously." Fornatale began his career as an and the members enough for their support. Without them, we would not be able to operate here in North America," Matloff said. The journalism professor had just returned from a trip to Mexico, where she had been conducting workshops and training designed to protect journalists working in what she considers "the most dangerous place in the world for reporters." She also noted that the need for safety training in the United States is growing, as evidenced by the threats of arrest and even physical harm to journalists covering the Occupy Wall Street movement. Whoopi Goldberg presented the first award of the night, the AMEE Award in Entertainment, to Phylicia Rashad. Referencing the previous day's Super Bowl game, Goldberg compared Rashad's performances onstage and in front of the camera to Eli Manning's on the field. "To me, she's — well she's a big old super star," Goldberg said. "I don't think she hears it enough. I don't think she is told enough what a great artist she is." Rashad, who in addition to her undergraduate at Fordham University, joined AFTRA in 1970 and hosted a weekly radio show. He wrote numerous books focused on American media, pop culture and music. He spoke of the joy he felt in sharing his passion for great music, including some of his favorites: Bruce Springsteen, Art Garfunkel and Tony Bennett. "I can't tell you how proud I am to receive this award," Fornatale said. "I can say without reservation that it is the most meaningful professional honor that I have received in my life. This couldn't be sweeter, my AFTRA brothers and sisters. Thank you so much." Sadly, Fornatale passed away on April 26. Rosanne Cash received the AMEE From left, Host Committee members Frank Simms, Holter Graham, Sally Winters, Ed Fry, Lainie Cooke, David Alan Basche, Polly Adams and Jim Kerr Award in Sound Recordings, presented by MTV Networks Music Group Executive Vice President Bill Flanagan. He noted Cash's passionate support for good causes and lifelong career of producing emotional music that connects and inspires. "I was just delighted to be asked to say well-known television, film and stage performances also plays a lead role in education as the inaugural Denzel Washington Chair in Theatre at Fordham University, spoke to the special significance of the AMEE Award. "This is unique and very different because it comes from you, the first union that I joined," Rashad said. "I thank you so very much for this recognition for work that I feel privileged to do." Popular comedian and talk show host Robert Klein gave an entertaining presentation for the AMEE Award in Broadcasting to long-time friend Pete Fornatale. "He is absolutely one of the loveliest a few words about Rosanne Cash, who is not only one of the greatest artists we have, but one of the best people who you are lucky enough to have in your company," Flanagan said. "I showed up for work for 35 years," Cash said at the podium aſter watching her honoree video play. "That's all I did was show up for work. And I love it so much." Cash talked of how her father Presenter Robert Klein and honoree Pete Fornatale encouraged her to join AFTRA when she was 19 years old. She had only sung on a couple of his records, but knew she wanted to make music her career. She joined SAG the same year. Planning has begun for the 2013 people I have ever met in this business," Klein said. "Pete has always given dignity to the music business — and a scholarly approach at that." 44 SAG-AFTRA | Summer 2012 | SAGAFTRA.org AMEES. For more information and to learn about how you can become involved with the good work of the AFTRA Foundation, please visit aſtra.com/ aſtrafoundation.htm. To learn more about INSI and how SAG-AFTRA members can benefit from and support INSI programs, go to newssafety.org. Whoopi Goldberg presented Phylicia Rashad with her AMEE Award. Jemal Countess/WireImage Larry Busacca/Getty Images Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Larry Busacca/Getty Images Jemal Countess/WireImage Larry Busacca/Getty Images

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