Hollywood Beat

Genesis Awards & Jewish Film Festival

Multi-talented Carrie Ann Inaba, best known as one of the three judges on Dancing with the Stars, served as Host for the 28th Genesis Awards.  These awards are presented by the Humane Society to honor news and entertainment media for raising public awareness of animal issues.

This year’s recipient of the prestigious Wyler Award was Ian Somerhalder,

Star of the TV hit series the Vampire Diaries. He was recognized for his dedication to animal advocacy and spreading the word about such issues as shark fining, fur in fashion and endangered species.

Other awards were presented to Rise of the Planet of the Apes (Outstanding Feature Film) The Colbert Report (whaling issues) and the Ellen DeGeneres Show for Outstanding Talk Show, which dealt with dog fighting and puppy mills.

Among the celebrity presenters were Bill Maher, Jason Ritter, Sophia Bush, Rose McGowan, Moby and Cloris Leachman — but the one who received the most applause was adorable Uggie, the show-stealing terrier from The Artist. Everyone wanted to pose with the precocious pup.

Kudos to Beverly Kasky, senior director of Hollywood Outreach Program and producer of the Genesis Awards — which will premiere as a one-hour special on Animal Planet on May 5th.

Another event, which you won’t want to miss, is the 7th Annual LA Jewish Film Festival, which runs from May 5-10th.  They kick off their excellent line-up of 26 films with an opening night star-studded red carpet celebration and premiere of the authorized Documentary, Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardom. Some of the celebs who are in the film, will participate in a discussion proceeding the film, including Theresa Russel, Mamie Van Doren, Marian Collier and Jill Vandenberg Curtis. Others invited to attend include:

Shirley Jones, Theo Bikel, Hugh Hefner, Consul General of Israel, Tia Carrere, and the stars of The Artist, Penelope Ann Miller & Ed Lauter. Wonder if Uggie will be in attendance?

For a full schedule of the films and events being offered, please check out their website www.lajfilmfest.org Remember their motto:  “Our films aren’t just selected, They’re Chosen”.

Master Chef Gordon Ramsay (“Shark Bait”) received award from Wayne Pacelle, Tricia Heifer and Owain Yeoman at Genesis Awards

Ian Somerhalder (Vampire Diaries) with Uggie at Genesis Awards

Carrie Ann Inaba (Dancing with the Stars) with Uggie