They gathered for a dinner with stars as well.
The total amount of grants that were handed out at the dinner in Beverly Hills was $2 million. But, that is only the beginning, noted HFPA President Lorenzo Soria. “Stay tuned because this is just the first of several more major grants and endowments we will be announcing in the next few months,” he said in a release.
With that the night was off and running. Over the last 25 years, the HFPA has given out $21.9 million to students and other organizations connected to the film industry, That has included the restoration of movies, too.
It was a star-studded evening, too. Jane Fonda was on hand to give a tribute to Robert Redford. He received a check for the Sundance Institute and for Women Make Films. Emily Blunt and Benicio del Toro awarded the American Cinematheque, AFI and the UCLA and NY film schools. In all, 55 organizations were awarded, with prizes ranging from $5,000 to $350,000.
Lady Gaga accepted checks for the Music Center and Young Musicians Foundation while Halle Berry picked up awards for Globalgirl Media and Film Aid. Jamie Lee Curtis accepted checks on behalf of Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s and the Lollipop Theater.
With the marketing of movies and the behind-the-scenes wrangling for honors, some think this event is the real kick off to award season. It is posturing for those who have projects currently out, plus it is a place to be seen for celebrity. The Golden Globes and the foreign press association are before the Oscars, and play an important role in show business.
“We are proud to say we have made a difference in many lives,” Soria said. “The Golden Globes may be the most high-profile of the HFPA’s activities, but our support for cultural non-profits has engaged the passionate commitment of every one of our members,” he added.
It was preceded by a red carpet event, and stars. Nick Jonas opened the evening with a song.