Ronald Reagan “Great Communicator” Award:
In 1936 a young sportscaster from Des Moines, Iowa came to Catalina Island to cover the Chicago Cubs spring training camp. Because of that trip, that sportscaster had a screen-test with Warner Brothers Studios. His first film was released three months later and the world was introduced to Hollywood’s newest actor, Ronald Reagan.
Ronald Reagan went on to be the only 2 term Screen Actors Guild President, and initiated a lot of the policy that guild still uses today. He has made a very large impact on Hollywood, and we celebrate his legacy that all started right here on Catalina Island.
The Ronald Reagan “Great Communicator” award is given out to an actor, filmmaker, or industry executive whose work embodies President Ronald Reagan’s qualities of optimism, positive change, and courage.
Charlie Chaplin ICON Award:
To commemorate the legacy of Charles Spencer Chaplin’s cinematic career and his long association to Catalina Island for almost three decades. To be given during the annual festival to an actor or filmmaker whose work embodies Charles Spencer Chaplin’s qualities of realism, diversity, and courage within his craft.
Stanley Kramer “Social Artist” Award:
To commemorate the legacy of Stanley Kramer’s socially conscious cinematic career and his association to Catalina Island where he shot the film Bless The Beasts And The Children in 1970. This award honors a film professional whose work embodies Stanley Kramer’s qualities of social consciousness within their artistry while taking risks to create and influence a social transformation. It will be presented Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013 on Catalina Island. The honor coincides with Stanley Kramer’s Centennial Birthday Celebration as well as the 100 Year Celebration of the city of Avalon on Catalina Island!
“We’re so thrilled that the Kramer family allowed us the great privilege of creating an award that honors Stanley Kramer’s legacy,” said Festival Executive Director, Ron Truppa. “Stanley Kramer was one of the island’s most prolific and socially conscious guests. There’s not only a film connection with his Bless the Beasts and The Children shot on the island, but also a personal one with his love of conservation, and we’re so excited to share that at the Festival this year.”
The Stanley Kramer Library announced, “We are pleased that the Catalina Film Festival has chosen to honor the Legacy of Stanley Kramer by creating the Social Artist Award to recognize emerging filmmakers and prominent artists in our industry who carry on his tradition and respect for conservation and nostalgia for Catalina. It is especially unique because 2013 is the Centennial Celebration of Stanley Kramer and Catalina Island’s city of Avalon. We can’t imagine a more ideal setting in which to celebrate both Legacies.”