On Monday, May 4th, Legendary Canadian-born director, Norman Jewison, was awarded The National Arts Club's prestigious Medal of Honor for Film at a dinner held in his honor the historic Gramercy Park venue in New York City.
Whoopi Goldberg, who worked with Jewison on the film Bogus, made a surprise appearance and was one of the many that shared personal stories about working with the acclaimed director. "I did not make a deep heavy film with Norman," said Goldberg. "Most Black people in the room did; I did not. I made a frivolous film with Norman. A film that I love; with a crazy Frenchman and a little boy who grew up to see dead people and whose little sister is now Miley Cyrus' best friend on TV."
Also in attendance was Harry Belafonte who spoke of the first time he and Norman Jewison had worked together, which was for CBS' "The Big Party by Revlon." Other speakers included Academy Award Winning Actress, Olympia Dukakis; Academy Award Winning Screenwriter, William Goldman; producer David Picker; Award Winning TV Interviewer, Professor Richard Brown; and The Consul General of Canada in New York, Daniel Sullivan.
Cher, who appeared via a video that was expedited to the NAC to make it in time for the dinner, spoke of her profound respect for her Moonstruck director and revealed an almost-wedding. "I once almost got married after I saw Fiddler on the Roof so either I am an idiot or you're too persuasive or both."
Though he too could not attend the dinner, Sidney Poitier sent his best wishes to Jewison via a letter that was read by Aldon James, President of The National Arts Club. Poitier's letter described Jewison as a man who has "balance and peace center him in an unsteady world" and that "we should draw closer and listen to his life."
In a special musical performance, that garnered a standing ovation from Harry Belafonte, Academy Award and Grammy winning songwriters, Alan and Marilyn Bergman, performed their award-winning song "The Windmills of Your Mind," which was featured in Jewison's acclaimed film, The Thomas Crown Affair.
Additional guests included award-winning casting director, Avy Kaufman; Emmy-nominated producer Patrick Markey; actress Gargi Shinde (Frozen River); actor Kurt Yaghjian (Jesus Christ Superstar); and artist Neil Grayson.
Aldon James presented Jewison with the coveted award with a speech filled with heartfelt remarks and true appreciation for Jewison's timeless works. Jewison, who directed the Academy Award winning film for Best Picture In the Heat of the Night (1967), now joins the esteemed ranks of previous honorees including Cliff Robertson, Sylvia Sydney, Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Dreyfuss, Danny Aiello, Lynn Redgrave and Olympia Dukakis.
"The NAC chose to honor Norman Jewison for his classic films and lasting contribution to the art of motion pictures," said Dary Day Derchin on behalf of The NAC's Film Committee. "His foresight and fearlessness in directing groundbreaking films about racial injustice such as In the Heat of the Night, A Soldier's Story and The Hurricane is incredibly admirable. These films take on a special significance at this unique political time in our country."
Jewison, who was born in Toronto, Canada, has directed 25 motion pictures, which have received 46 Academy Award nominations (including five for Best Picture and three for Best Director). He was also honored by the Academy with their prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Lifetime Achievement Award.
Famous for his diversity, the director's films, which include Moonstruck, Jesus Christ Superstar, ...And Justice for All, Fiddler on the Roof, The Cincinnati Kid, Agnes of God, Rollerball (1975) and The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), have garnered him numerous international prizes and acclaim. Jewison, who is widely celebrated in his native country, is the first Canadian to be honored by The National Arts Club with the Gold Medal for Film.
The National Arts Club: Run by volunteers, the Arts Club was founded by Charles de Kay, New
York Times literary and art critic, in 1898 with the mission to stimulate, foster and promote public interest in the arts and educate the American people in the fine arts. A historic staple in Gramercy Park, the Arts Club is located in the Tilden Mansion which was built in the 1840's. Today, The National Arts Club hosts art unveilings, award dinners, film screenings, lectures, dances and many more various types of art performances. In order to help recognize untapped talents, the Arts Club's committees frequently award scholarships to young artists, writers and singers to help them develop their talent and work towards their dreams.
