Israel Studies Awards – Motion Picture Council Honorees & Upcoming Events

Oscar winning actress Natalie Portman presented the UCLA Israel Studies Award to Amos Oz, at the Wallis Annnenberg Center.  This was the fifth anniversary of the UCLA Younes & Soraya Nazarian Center, which promotes the study of Israel as a modern Jewish& democratic state.  Portman makes her directorial debut with A Tale of Love and Darkness,  based on the best selling memoir of Amos Oz, and stars in the role of  Oz’s mother, Fania.

Natalie Portman at UCLA Israel Studies Awards

Oz’s literary works have been translated into more than 42 languages, and are deeply moving stories of Israel. How fitting that the Israeli born actress is honoring her good friend.  And how fitting that the award, presented to him was a sculpture created  by Soraya Nazarian, outstanding humanitarian and leader of the Persian Jewish community in Los Angeles and Tel Aviv.

Dr. Al Sharpton with Author Gloria Goldwater

At another event, TV Legend Rose Marie & Oscar winning actress Margaret O’Brien presented Golden Halo Awards to Marty Ingels, Michelle Tomlinson,  George Barris and Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna at the premiere of Mansion of Blood at the Egyptian Theatre.  Ingels, who has been wed to Academy  Award winning actress & singer Shirley Jones since 1977, is an actor& comedian best known as Arch Fenster in I’m Dickins, He’s Fenster.  George Barris, King of the Auto Customizers designed &built such famous autos as the Batmobile & Munster Koach, has his own car museum in the San Fernando Valley.

Renee Taylor & Joe Bologna celebrating 50 yrs of marriage

As for Renee Taylor & hubby Joe Bologna, this fabulous  multi-talented couple are being honored by the Beverly Hills Theatre Guild, and  celebrating their Golden Wedding Anniversary at the Four Seasons Hotel, Sept.20^th.  Renee, best known for her role as the Mother in The Nanny, is a celebrated comedian& actress; as well as her writing skills with Bologna.   They both were nominated for an Academy award for their first screenplay, Lovers and Other Strangers.

Hip Hop Artist Y0-Yo to be honored by City of Angels

Joe  and Renee celebrate their wedding anniversary every 10 yrs with an unusual tradition.  They renew their wedding vows — in their own inimitable style.    We attended several of these extravaganzas, and you are invited to enjoy an afternoon of Love & Laughter at their 50^th.  Please contact 310-271-1900.  Hope to see you there.

Soraya Nazarian presenting Birthday Cake to Author, Amos Oz

Also, you are invited to attend the City of Angels Celebrity Red Caret Experience which honors legendary Hip Hop Artist YoYo for 25 yrs in entertainment.  This bash takes place Friday 26^th at the OHM Nightclub in Hollywood, and ticket prices are only $20 – $40 for VIP tables.  Yo Yo  Whitaker, whose mentor was the legendary Ice Cube, has influenced the world of Hip Hop  as an artist, actress and philanthropist . Some of the confirmed guests include Gloria Goldwater, Founder of Superfly Magazine, whose new book, My Untold Story of Hip Hop covers Hip Hop Artists over 25 years; actors Shae Williams,  Richard Brooks (Being MaryJane), lots of famed comics, TV stars, and even some Dallas Cowboy Hunks.  For further info, please call Cynthia Busby at 818-268-0680.

Marty Ingels receiving Halo Award with Producer, Tom Tangen [Mansion of Blood] … (Above photo credits to Glen Lipton & Vince Gucci)