Hollywood Beat, April 27, 2010
Matt Damon Receives American Cinematheque Award
Matt Damon Receives American Cinematheque Award
Established in 1981, American Cinematheque is a non-profit organization dedicated to the Motion Picture in all forms. Each year, they honor an extraordinary artist in the entertainment industry, currently making a significant contribution to the Art of the Motion Picture. Past honorees included Eddie Murphy, Steven Spielberg, Tom Cruise, and Julia Roberts.
Academy Award winning actor Matt Damon was the recipient of the award this year – which turned out to be “Roast” instead of a “Toast” by his buddies & colleagues. They included Ben Affleck, (Good Will Hunting), Don Cheadle (Oceans Eleven), and Robin Williams. Even the usually reserved Clint Eastwood, who directed Damon in Invictus, came out with the funny line: “Matt Damon is one of the finest actors of our generation.” I know that, because that is what he said when he came into my office. In fact he couldn’t understand why I cast Morgan Freeman as Mandela!
The entire evening also included reference to Damon’s faux feud with Late Night Host, Jimmy Kimmel, who was hurt that he was drummed out of the Handsome Men’s Club. Kimmel’s former girlfriend, comedian Sarah Silverman, also sang a chorus of the risqué “I’m __________Matt Damon” to the delight of the black tie clad audience.
There were several taped messages from former co-stars, including George Clooney (Oceans Eleven) wearing a hospital gown, pretending he was receiving a proctology exam (ouch!) and even former President Clinton who thanked Damon for his efforts in Durfur and Haiti, and his commitment to bringing clean water to these areas.
When Damon accepted the award from Affleck, who he referred to as his “hetro lifemate”), he assured him that “Next year, I’m sure you will be on this stage (presenting the award to someone else).”
It was that kind of evening – full of fun & frolic, and if you want to see the entire show, ABC will premiere the broadcast of “Hollywood Salutes Matt Damon: An American Cinematheque Tribute at a later date.”
Matt Damon with his wife, Luciana arriving at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
Robin Williams
Late Night Talk Show Host, Jimmy Kimmel on stage at American Cinematheque Awards
Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron wearing a Givenchy mini at the Awards Soiree
Mr. & Mrs. Clint Eastwood
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