2011 Honorees

PETER BOGDANOVICH
For his significant body of work and outstanding career achievement in Film as Writer, Producer and Director.

After spending most of his teens studying acting with the legendary Stella Adler, and working as an actor in live TV and various theaters around the country, Peter Bogdanovich at age 20 began directing plays Off-Broadway in New York which launched his notorious Directing career.

In 1966 he first began working in movies as Roger Corman's assistant. Within a year, Corman financed Bogdanovich's first film as director-writer-producer-actor with the cult classic, Targets, starring Boris Karloff. In 1971, Bogdanovich commanded the approving attention of critics and public with The Last Picture Show (1971), starring then-unknowns Jeff Bridges and Cybill Shepherd, Ellen Burstyn, and Cloris Leachman. The film was a brilliant look at small-town Texan-American life in the early 1950s and won the New York Film Critics' Circle Award for Best Screenplay, the British Academy Award for Best Screenplay, and received a total of eight Academy Award nominations, including three for Bogdanovich; Ben Johnson and Cloris Leachman won for Best Supporting Actor and Actress. In 2009, the Library of Congress designated the film as a National Treasure.

Bogdanovich had his second huge success in 1972 with What's Up, Doc?, a madcap romantic farce starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal. It won The Writers' Guild of America Award for Best Screenplay. One year later, he recreated a memorable vision of rural '30s America with Paper Moon, a depression-era tale about a pair of unlikely con artists, which got four Academy Award nominations and nabbed a Supporting Actress Oscar for nine-year-old Tatum O'Neal, the youngest actress to ever win an Oscar.

Bogdanovich followed this up with his critically acclaimed classic Daisy Miller in 1974, Saint Jack in 1979, and They All Laughed in 1981, Audrey Hepburn’s last big picture. Then in 1985 Bogdanovich scored another major triumph with Mask, starring Cher and Eric Stoltz in the true story of a boy whose face has been terribly disfigured by a rare disease and the mother who has instilled in her son a sense of confidence and love. The film won an Academy Award and Cher won the Best Actress Prize at the Cannes Film Festival.

In 1992 Bogdanovich guided the classic theater comedy Noises Off onto the big screen with an all-star cast, including Michael Caine, Christopher Reeve, and Carol Burnett. In 2002, Bogdanovich again received critical praise and commercial success with The Cat's Meow starring Edward Herrmann, Kirsten Dunst, and Eddie Izzard, all of whom garnered glowing notices. In 2004 came the premiere of Bogdanovich's 3-hour ABC special, The Mystery of Natalie Wood, as well as his hard-hitting docudrama about the infamous ballplayer Pete Rose, called "Hustle". Also shown was the episode he directed, "Sentimental Education," for the 5th season of the award-winning HBO series, "The Sopranos" (1999), in which for four seasons he had the recurring role of the shrink's shrink.

In addition to his documentary and feature film work, Bogdanovich has published over twelve books on various aspects of film and filmmaking. Some of his book titles include the bestselling "Who The Devil Made It" (1997), which includes interviews with legendary directors, including Alfred Hitchcock, Fritz Lang, George Cukor, and Howard Hawks; "Peter Bogdanovich's Movie Of The Week" (1999), a collection of pieces on fifty-two film recommendations for a year of classics; "This Is Orson Welles" comprised of his conversations with co-author Orson Welles, and his latest book, "Who The Hell's In It", which features chapters on 25 stars he knew or worked with including Cary Grant, James Stewart, Marlene Dietrich, James Cagney, Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando. His commentary and perspective on great cinema of the past is also featured on The Golden Age Of Movies with Peter Bogdanovich for Clickstar, a new Internet channel which Bogdanovich helped launch.

To Peter Bogdanovich, we are proud to present you with the Eve Craig Lifetime Achievement Award.

CONNIE STEVENS
The Eve Craig Lifetime Achievement Award for her remarkable accomplishments in Film, Television, Theater and Music as Actress, Recording Artist, Producer and Director.

It is rare that an actress can successfully transcend the entertainment gamut from Motion Picture Star, Television Star, Broadway Star, Recording Artist, to the concert stage and then on to develop a successful cosmetic empire. In a career that has spanned over 50 years, Connie Stevens has gained worldwide popularity and recognition as a multi-talented performer, producer, and most recently, as a major force in the business arena, all the while managing to remain a timeless classic beauty.

It was Connie’s endearing and classic role as “Cricket Blake” in the hit ABC series “Hawaiian Eye” (1959-1963) that made her one of America’s teen idols in the 60’s. Connie soon after starred opposite George Burns in the popular TV series, “Wendy and Me”. In 1974 Connie received critical acclaim for her controversial portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in the ABC-TV Movie “The Sex Symbol”. Her television career flourished with roles in “Starting from Scratch”, “Scruples”, “Bring me the Head of Dobie Gillis”, “Murder She Wrote” and as most popular guest on “The Love Boat”.

Her success in television transcended onto the big screen. In the early 60s, Connie appeared with heartthrob Troy Donahue in a series of films which include “Parish” and “Palm Springs Weekend”. Her film career flourished with appearances in “Two on a Guillotine”, “The Grissom Gang” and “Never Too Late”. In the 1980s, Connie revamped her sex appeal with a role in “Grease 2” starring Maxwell Caulfield and Michelle Pfeiffer. Some of Connie’s other films include “Back to the Beach”, with Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon, and “Tapeheads”, starring Tim Robbins and John Cusack. Connie has also been twice elected as the National Secretary-Treasurer of the Screen Actors Guild.

The talents of Connie Stevens led her down a variety of performance avenues, as she became a hit recording solo artist and a Broadway star. Connie was the first artist signed by Warner Brothers Records, where she recorded the number one record in the country in 1961, “Sixteen Reasons”. She was, Neil Simon’s “Star Spangled Girl” on Broadway, co-starring Anthony Perkins and Dick Benjamin.

Most recently, Connie Stevens, has proven herself in the business arena as well, creating Forever Spring, a cosmetic empire that has spawned over 300 popular products that include skin care, make up, hair care items, and fragrances.

Throughout her lifetime, Connie’s has been known for her humanitarian efforts. Veterans hold a special place in Connie’s philanthropy as she toured with Bob Hope around the world, at every major base, numerous hospitals and military venues. For her tireless work, Connie received the coveted 1991 ‘Lady of Humanities’ award from the Shriners Hospital, ‘Humanitarian of the Year’ by the Sons of Italy in Washington DC, as well as receiving ‘The Decoration for Distinguished Civilian Service’ from the United States Armed Forces, which is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a civilian. Her dedication to war veterans led her to write, direct, and edit the award winning documentary, A Healing, about the Red Cross nurses who served during the Vietnam War.

For her significant contributions and accomplishments in Film, Television, Theater and Music, the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is proud to honor Connie Stevens with the Eve Craig Lifetime Achievement Award.

VIRGINIA MADSEN
The Founder's Award for Outstanding Career Achievement in Film and Television as an Actress.

A cool, classic beauty, with an exuberant flair for the dramatic, Virginia Madsen is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and unique actresses.  Her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominated performance as “Maya” in the hit film, SIDEWAYS has only enhanced her reputation as a fantastic actress with a dynamic career.  Since SIDEWAYS in 2004, Virginia continues to appear in big pictures, most recently as the mother in RED RIDING HOOD, and in a number of television series including ABC’s comedic drama series SCOUNDRELS, NBC’s science-fiction conspiracy drama THE EVENT, and USA’s final season of MONK.  However, it was long before SIDEWAYS that Virginia’ began adding interesting roles to her illustrious resume.

Virginia stems from a very talented family as daughter of the Emmy Award winning writer, Elaine Madsen, and sister to actor Michael Madsen.  Audiences first caught a glimpse of this Independent Spirit Award-winning actress as “Princess Irulan” in David Lynch’s DUNE in 1984.  Since then she has worked alongside the most notable and respected actors and directors in the business.  Virginia  appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s THE RAINMAKER with Matt Damon, the cult classic CANDYMAN with Kasi Lemmons, HOT SPOT directed by Dennis Hopper, opposite Academy Award winner James Coburn in AMERICAN GUN, opposite Harrison Ford in the action thriller FIREWALL, with Meryl Streep and Kevin Kline in the comedic drama A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION), opposite Billy Bob Thornton in the comedy THE ASTRONAUT FARMER, with Forest Whitaker in the existential drama THE RIPPLE EFFECT, opposite Jim Carrey in the psychological thriller THE NUMBER 23, as well as opposite Kevin Spacey in the indie comedy FATHER OF INVENTION.  Other notable films include the Lions Gate thriller THE HAUNTING IN CONNECTICUT in 2009 the Sundance hit DIMINISHED CAPACITY alongside Matthew Broderick and Alan Alda for IFC.

Also on Virginia’s slate is her production company with partner Karly Meola called TITLE IX PRODUCTIONS.  Their first project was the documentary I KNOW A WOMAN LIKE THAT which premiered at the Chicago Film Festival in October 2009.  Directed by Virginia’s mother, Elaine Madsen, the doc is about the lives of extraordinary women ages 64-94.  The company then produced the documentary FIGHTING GRAVITY about women ski jumpers’ ongoing battle for the right to compete in the 2010 Winter Olympics.  The duo also has several projects in development including screenwriters Sebastian Gutierrez’s screen adaptation of Martha O’Connor’s novel THE BITCH POSSE and a remake of the 1984 tech film ELECTRIC DREAMS in which Virginia also starred.

For her versatility as an actress and her accomplishments and contributions to Film and Television, the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is honored to present Virginia Madsen the prestigious Founder’s Outstanding Career Achievement Award.

OREN PELI
The Pechanga Maverick Spirit Award for for phenomenal breakthrough career achievement in Film as writer, director and producer.

Oren Peli came to the United States from Israel when he was 19. As a software and gaming programmer, Peli knew little about making movies before filming the horror hit Paranormal Activity (2007). With no previous experience or hand in Hollywood, Peli made the film independently for about $15,000. Paranormal Activity has since grossed $194 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable movies ever made based on return on investment.

Oren Peli’s Paranormal Activity first made audiences scream in the film festivals circuit. The film features “found footage” of a couple being haunted by a supernatural presence in their home. After screening the film, Steven Spielberg reported experiencing paranormal activity of his own and became an influential factor in DreamWorks purchasing the rights to the film. This led to a limited release by Paramount in 2009. Due to an uproar of fans demanding it be shown in local theaters it’s distribution expanded across the globe.

The maverick spirit of Peli has proven to Hollywood that bigger doesn’t always mean better. The success of Paranormal Activity has inspired Paramount to create an entire new division dedicated to nurturing films made for under $100,000. Oren Peli has continued to work in the horror genre as Producer of Paranormal Activity 2 and Insidious with Producers Steven Schneider and Jason Blum which was directed by James Wan. Paramount has recently landed the U.S. distribution rights to his newest thriller Area 51 set to be released this year. Paranormal Activity 3 and Lords of Salem, a film written and directed by Rob Zombie, are also set to be released this year - Produced by Oren Peli.

The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is honored to present The Pechanga Maverick Spirit Award to Oren Peli.

BOOBOO STEWART
The TVIFF Rising Star Award for his stellar work as an emerging artist.

Booboo Stewart is a 17 year old dynamo who just wants to do it all. He has already made great strides as an actor, singer, dancer, gymnast, stunt performer, model and musician.

Booboo was thrust into the global limelight when he won the coveted role of ‘Seth Clearwater’ in “The Twilight Saga - Eclipse” (2011 Best Picture MTV Movie Awards) and reprises his role in the highly anticipated “The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn, parts 1 & 2.”  He can also be seen opposite Val Kilmer in the indy feature “American Cowslip”and the family film “Smitty” with Mira Sorvino and Peter Fonda. Booboo is currently tackling the dramatic leading role of a teen who suffers from Aspergers Syndrome, a form of Autism, in the indy feature “White Frog.”

On the small screen, Booboohas appeared on several popular TV shows including a recent two episode guest starring role on “Good Luck Charlie,” “CSI: Miami”and R.L Steins “The Haunting Hour.” His modeling credits include H&Mand Guessand Ralph Lauren.

He not only enjoys working in front of the camera but has also been credited as a music composer, fight coordinator and producer on some of his most recent projects.  To top it off he is also a member of the GATE program for academically gifted children.

Booboo is first and foremost an excellent athlete. He has been training and competing in the world of martial arts beginning at the age of 3 yrs old and has the honors to prove it. Booboo has accumulated two World Championships in all divisions and has been inducted to the Black Belt Junior Hall of Fame.

Prior to his appearances in the “Twilight Saga” movies, Booboo is best known among the “tweens” set as a member of the Walt Disney Records recording group T-Squad, touring with the likes of The Cheetah Girls, The Jonas Brothers and Miley Cyrus. He has an exclusive endorsement deal with Gibson Guitars and his musical talents include guitar, bass, keyboards and drums. He is also a singer / songwriter and currently writing and recording and touring with two of his sisters Fivel and Maegan.

Booboo resides in Los Angeles with his parents and three sisters. An avid animal lover and activist, their extended family includes dogs, birds and even horses! Booboo and his sister Fivel are Celebrity Ambassadors for USA Child Help and MDA.  They also volunteer their time at the Los Angeles Mission spending every Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving feeding the homeless.

Booboo is also looking forward to releasing his first comic book Millennium Man this fall which he both created and illustrated.

For his diverse talents as an Actor, Writer, Producer, Musician, Athlete and Philanthropist and what is destined to be a long and brilliant career, the Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival present Booboo Stewart with the TVIFF Rising Star Award.

RUSS REGAN
Lifetime Achievement Award for extraordinary, visionary and innovative leadership in Music as Record Executive.

Regan began his career at Motown Records, where his first project was a little tune called “Please Mr. Postman” by the Marvelettes.  He then went on to promote artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes and Smokey Robinson.  He helped Frank Sinatra record “That’s Life” and it was Regan who suggested The Pendeltons change their name to The Beach Boys. He later worked with Jimmy Miller Productions to produce albums from B.B. King, Henry Gross, Bobby Whitlock and many more.

Beyond the recording studios, Regan has also supervised the soundtracks for the movies Endless
Love, Breakin', The Karate Kid, All The Right Moves, Love At First Bite, This Is Spinal Tap and A Chorus Line. Regan was also the Music Supervisor for four Academy Award winning songs from the films: The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno, Flashdance and Chariots of Fire.

The Temecula Valley International Film &  Music Festival is honored to present the Lifetime Achievement Award in Music to  Mr. Russ Regan.

ERICK HANSEN
Mayor's Visionary Award for his innovative leadership and technological pioneer work  in Blu Ray and DVD Technology.

The world of industry technologies is ever-changing and media consumption is growing into multiple formats worldwide.  However, there is no doubt that Blu-ray is leading the way as the next generation of media storage and delivery for the entertainment, business, government, and consumer markets.   Blue Star Technologies remains the top U.S. Blu-ray company which services almost every Hollywood Film Studio and every major video game manufacturer. The man behind the scenes, molding the future of movie consumption and distribution into a “higher quality” picture is the CEO, Director, and President of Blue Star Technologies, Erick Hansen.

Mr. Hansen was one of the pioneers in the DVD business with the first video game “Wing Commander” and worked on “Sailing through the Years” with Roy E. Disney, an important breakthrough in digital delivery platforms..  He then founded the first independent DVD manufacturing facility in the US and continues be a huge player in buying and creating content for the new public demand for Blu-ray and 3D titles.

Currently, Blue Star Technologies is developing new-technologies, such as a 250GB disc, enough capacity for a whole DVD film library on a disc or two, with room left over for your music collection. The capacity will be especially important for companies like Disney or Lucasfilm who may want to package a feature film in Blu-ray and/or 3D, complex video game and all sorts of extras on a single disc. Computer memory, once hoarded and paid for dearly, can be a thing of past, thanks to the visionary efforts of Erick Hansen.

The Temecula Valley International Film &  Music Festival is honored to present the Mayor’s Visionary Award to Erick Hansen.

PETE ANTHONY
The Terry Gilmore Award of Excellence for Outstanding Career Achievement in Music as film Orchestrator and Arranger.

Pete Anthony has had an extremely successful musical career with a long list of films in his discography.  Just in the last decade Pete Anthony has conducted and/or orchestrated for a number of films including Bolt (2008), TropicThunder (2008), Hancock (2008), I am Legend (2007), King Kong (2005), Spider-Man 3 (2007), Live Free of Die Hard (2007), Meet the Robinsons (2007), Earth (2007), Blood Diamond (2006), Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (2006), X-Men: The Last Stand (2006),  Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006), The Village (2004), The Bourne Supremacy (2004), Hellboy (2004), Hulk (2003), Spider-Man (2002), Blade II (2002) and Signs (2002).  He is also the Conductor for their corresponding soundtrack albums.

The Temecula Valley International Film &  Music Festival is honored to present The Terry
Gilmore Award of Excellence to Pete Anthony.