Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A Night of Reflection and Fun

The Maven had extended an invitation to me. She was going to be attending an awards ceremony that was partially sponsored by the company she is now working for.

Me?
Awards?
 UCLA?


 TV and Film people in attendance?


Of course I said yes!


Beautiful campus!

Okay, so it wasn't the Oscars, but I still had a few fangirl moments before the ceremony when many of the nominees were photographed and interviewed on the patch of red carpet.

Fans of 'Parenthood' may recognize the young actor who plays Jabar.
'Parenthood' was one of the honorees.

There were many familiar faces and some unfamiliar ones as well.  Famous or not, they all had something in common. 
Mental illness and/or substance abuse.

While there was some media present, there was not a lot of attention paid to The Voice Awards outside of those involved.  Maybe there should have been .

These awards recognize film and television projects that bring awareness and involve characters who realistically deal with mental health and substance abuse issues.

These awards also honor and celebrate " everyday" people who have successfully managed their illness and become advocates in order to educate people about mental health as well as provide support and inspiration to those who are struggling with the challenges of mental illness and substance abuse.

When I saw this gentleman on the red carpet, I wondered what he would say.


James Wolk, from "The Crazy Ones', co-starring with Robin Williams.

It turned out James Wolk was the emcee for the event and he kicked off the evening with a short tribute to Robin Williams, which was uplifting as opposed to melancholy.



I'm not often at a loss for words and I have found this post difficult to write. While this was such a fun event to attend with The Maven, the death of Robin Williams has made me feel awkward in order to express the proper balance of sadness for his loss of life, yet happiness because my daughter is spreading her wings and becoming part of a community that does so much good.

Troublemakers

Advocacy is the perfect fit for her and she loves to be able to make a difference in the lives of people who struggle with often misunderstood challenges. So my pride and sense of fun were present, as well as my appreciation for those honored. Many who I have seen either in film or on television.

I am going to just  show some of the pictures I took with small comments and not  concern myself with trying to express my feelings.

Mr. Tony Shaloub from 'Monk'
 getting miked by Pat O'Brien (did he used to be on Entertainment Tonight?)

Ray Ramone and Lauren Graham presenting an award to the producer of 'Parenthood', Jason Katims. Exciting for me because I love this show.


And just to prove it, I'm posting another picture of 'Jabar'!

'Bailey' from 'Grey's Anatomy', she accepted an award on the show's behalf.


No event is complete without a Baldwin Brother. Daniel? Stephen?

Special Recognition recipient, Kristen Johnston:

She gave a most honest and emotional speech. If you have every heard her in interviews, you will have an idea of her enthusiasm and sincerity.

Among the films honored were two particular favorites that The Maven and I saw this year:



A a few more independent films on our list:




Some other winners in the TV categories were:

Mike & Molly
Elementary
Mom
Nashville

Familiar names and faces help build awareness, but it is the ordinary. No, extraordinary people who fight everyday to overcome great obstacles and become productive members of our world who are also worthy of our admiration. And let us remember that you can seem to have everything in the world, but if you don't have your health, your happiness and support, you can lose it all in an instant.

Nanu. Nanu.
1951-2014













18 comments:

Decor To Adore said...

Nanu Nanu indeed. As I said it is my one great hope that if anything can come of the tragic loss of dear Robin Williams it will be that more focus is given to mental health.

Well done Ann and Maven!

Razmataz said...

.“Life is mostly froth and bubble,
Two things stand like stone.
Kindness in another's trouble,
Courage in your own.”


― Adam Lindsay Gordon

A teacher wrote that in my autograph book when I was 12. Good words to live by.

I always used to tell me kids to be gentle with people as they never know what's going on in anyone's life.

We lost a very dear family member last year to suicide. No history, no warnings. I have been pondering how alone he must have felt. I do think Robin Williams is going to bring a new awareness to depression and hopefully touch people enough to encourage them to seek help.

By the way, The Maven is fabulous....

Anonymous said...

So glad you and The Maven had this opportunity. Thanks for sharing the photos and the participants.

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

I love Parentfood too! Sounds like your daughter is making a difference in the world - don't apologize for being proud of her :-)

Mr. Connor said...

Wonderful Wonderful. Sure is nice . Thanks very much.

Chatty Crone said...

Wow - I love things like this - you were so lucky. A lot of people don't understand mental illness do they? Sad thing. I hate that he died.

rottrover said...

Nanu-Nanu...

Mr. Tennis said...

I couldn't be prouder of The Maven and kudos to the Boston Lady for helping her become the fine person she is today.

Kit said...

I know how you feel. I have been in a crappy mood ever since I heard he died. It just keeps creeping into my every day life. So very sad.

So glad you were able to do this with the Maven. You both look wonderful! :) Kit

Debby@Just Breathe said...

How awesome that you got to attend this awards ceremony. Chills ran down my body when I got to James Wolk from "The Crazy Ones" because I love Robin Williams in that show and of course all of his work! Then of course The Maven and how wonderful she is doing is awesome news which brought tears to my eyes. I love Parenthood also and you saw some wonderful people. What a wonderful event.....

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

A wonderful event. Glad it's there to help bring mental health and substance abuse into the light.
I'm even more proud of The Maven and her Momma! Wonderful to see you both supportive in this setting-- and smiling!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I missed this post, Ann...how nice you could attend this with your daughter! I'm sure this was a bittersweet evening...but so important.

Mullin Avenue Workshop said...

Ann,
This event sounds interesting, and worthwhile.
My son and I talked a lot about Robin's death, and it felt like losing a family member. He was beloved by many people. and cheered up our world immensely.
Thanks for writing about him.
Your Maven is blossoming!
Brenda

Unknown said...

Finally you have made it.
keep calm and study russian

White Lace and Promises said...

Thanks for dropping by. I decided to scoot over here and get to know you better. I certainly can relate to this post. I loved Robin Williams and was shocked to learn of his struggle with depression. I could win an academy award with some of my performances. I an at times be a great pretender. That's one of the components of this disease. I appreciate what your girl is doing to stand in the gap for others. I applaud her compassion and willingness to make a difference. The world needs more of this. Thanks for sharing.

Val said...

Looks like you two had fun; I'm glad! :) The event sounds like it is something I would've liked to go to, given my history and what I'm having to go through currently.

White Lace and Promises said...

Oh how true! I am all about more education and awareness of all the emotional and mental disorders that are often so misunderstood. I know first hand what this feels like. Thanks for sharing.

Wow! I would have had a ball! Fun time!

Annesphamily said...

Always just a pleasure to be here and to know you Ann