Hollywood Beat

Beverly Hills Film Festival & Mother’s Day Luncheon for ABCs

Sonia Nassery Cole received the Golden Palm Award for producing and directing The Black Tulip — a feature length drama, shot entirely on location in Afghanistan.  The novice producer (who also starred in the film) stated: “Black Tulip is a film about the plight for freedom in Afghanistan, which we have to fight every day.”  This extraordinary film, which exposes the terror inflicted by The Taliban, also won the award for best actor (Haji Gal Aser)) and the Jury Award at a Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Other Awards were presented to Uprising:  Hip, Hop & The L.A. Riots (produced by Snopp Dogg), The Palace, and Children of the Air (starring Kathryn Winnick). Other films of note included the world premiere of Beyond 360, directed by Luis Goyanes and starring sailing champ, Dee Caffari; and Sofia, starring Christian Slater and Donald Sutherland.

Oscar nominated actress and human rights activist Anne Archer (Fatal Attraction, Patriot Games) received the Legends Award from Marisol Nichols (ABC’s GOB). Other celebs in attendance included Actress Ann Heche, and her handsome husband actor James Tupper (starring in the hit TV Series Revenge); and President of the BHFF Jury, Steven Paul (CEO of Crystal Sky Productions.

Kris Jenner (Keeping Up With the Kardashians), Guiliana Rancic (Co-Anchor of E News) and Jillian Reynolds (co-host of Good Day L.A.) were honored by the Associates for Breast and Prostrate Cancer Studies ABCs) at their annual Mother’s Day Luncheon. These three “Women of Achievement” were lauded for their support of numerous charities including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Operation Smile. And Children’s Miracle Networks — to name a few.

Guiliana Rancic recently announced she had breast cancer, and is encouraging all women to be proactive with their breast health. Gloria Gebbia, President of the ABC’s stated “We are honored to celebrate these remarkable women for their generosity, commitment and contributions to end the war against cancer.”

Kudos to the ABCs who have raised over $12 million to eradicate this dread disease.  For more info how you can be a part of this battle, check out their website:  www.jwci.org

Jillian Reynolds, Guiliana Rancic, Chris Jenner & Pat Wayne at ABCs luncheon

Ann Hecht & husband, James Tupper

Christian Slater in scene from “Sofia” which premiered at BHFF

Sonia Nassery Cole receiving Gold en Palm Award at Beverly Hills Film Festival