An Inconvenient Truth Wins Humanitas Prize Special Award

 

HUMANITAS Prize Special Award to AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH

Los Angeles, CA – June 21, 2006.

The documentary feature film “An Inconvenient Truth,” will receive a Special Award from the HUMANITAS Prize at its annual awards luncheon on June 28th. This is the first time in over 10 years that the organization has voted to grant a Special Award. “When evaluating films and television shows we ask, ‘does it make a significant contribution to the human family by communicating values, forming consciences and motivating human behavior?’,” commented Frank Desiderio, President of the HUMANITAS Prize.  “‘An Inconvenient Truth’ does all of that and more. It’s a very important film, we want to shine a light on it.”

“An Inconvenient Truth” chronicles former vice president Al Gore’s decades long commitment to the issue of global warming. The film weaves scientific data and personalanecdotes into a cohesive narrative that challenges viewers. “Although the film is alarming, it doesn’t call us to despair, but rather to get involved,” added Chris Donahue, Executive Director of the HUMANITAS Prize.

“I am thrilled that HUMANITAS has chosen to recognize "AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH" with such a rare and special award,” stated Al Gore. “Director Davis Guggenheim, the producers, Lawrence Bender, Laurie David and Scott Burns, and the co-producer, Lesley Chilcott are very deserving of this honor.”

“HUMANITAS has honored many outstanding films over the years and in doing so supports the achievements and sacrifices of filmmakers trying to change the world,” said executive producer Davis Guggenheim. “We are thrilled to be included in this great tradition.”

Although the HUMANITAS Prize is traditionally given for fictional stories, on occasion the Board of Directors has voted to give an award to a documentary film. In 1995, a Special Award was given to Bill Moyers and Judith Davidson Moyers for “What Can We Do about Violence?” In 1993, Mary Jo Peltier and Arnold Shapiro received a Special Award for “Sacred Silent: Ending and Exposing Child Abuse” which was broadcast simultaneously on ABC, CBS, NBC and PBS.

Since its inception in 1974, the HUMANITAS Prize has presented over 237 prizes and dispersed over 2.4 million dollars in prize money to television and motion picture writers, whose work honestly explores the complexities of the human experience and sheds light on the positive values of life. Each year, the HUMANITAS Prize holds Master Writers Workshops presented by today's leading writers.

Winners of the HUMANITAS Prize have included: Steven Bochco (Hill Street Blues); Alan Alda (M*A*S*H); David E. Kelley (The Practice); Barbara Hall (Joan of Arcadia); Steven Zaillian (Schindler's List); Tim Robbins (Dead Man Walking); Matt Damon and Ben Affleck (Good Will Hunting); Aaron Sorkin (Sports Night, The West Wing) and Kenneth Lonergan (You Can Count On Me).

For more information, please visit the HUMANITAS Prize website at

www.humanitasprize.org