MUMBAI: The Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA) will present director Martin Scorsese the Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award on 21 April in Washington, D.C.
The award, presented biennially to an individual in the motion picture industry whose work exemplifies a dedication to humanity and community, will be presented at a private dinner capping off a day-long industry symposium, The Business of Show Business.
“The MPAA and its member companies are honored to recognize Mr. Martin Scorsese, who for decades has exemplified an extraordinary sense of community both on and off screen. From Raging Bull to Gangs of New York and The Departed, Mr. Scorsese is a master American storyteller, whose many contributions to the arts community include his founding and chairing the Film Foundation and the World Cinema Foundation, nonprofit organizations dedicated to the preservation and protection of motion picture history around the world. We can’t think of anyone more deserving of the Valenti Award,” said MPAA chairman and CEO Dan Glickman.
Scorsese is the second Valenti Award recipient. Clint Eastwood was the inaugural recipient in 2007. The award is named for long-time MPAA chief Valenti.
Said Glickman, “Jack Valenti was a public policy leader for the motion picture industry for decades, using that post to support and advance the art of movie-making and to take on causes for the betterment of humanity. This award provides an opportunity to highlight the many men and women in the movie business who exemplify the spirit of caring and commitment to the dignity of others.”
The award culminates the biennial The Business of Show Business event designed to educate and inform policymakers and the public through a series of panels and highprofile speakers about the value of the American motion picture business and its contribution to the U.S. economy.
“People everywhere know the magic of the movies, but they don’t know the energy and work put into each production,” Glickman said of the event. “This event gives us the opportunity to spotlight a leading American business in an educational setting.”
A recipient of the Jack Valenti Humanitarian Award must be an individual working in the motion picture industry whose contributions and commitment to service exemplify compassion, humanitarianism and dedication to community embodied in the award’s namesake, Jack Valenti.
The award recipient is selected by the Motion Picture Association of America in consultation with its member companies.
