The Paley Center for Media to Honor The Simpsons at Annual Gala in Los Angeles
Monday, October 5, 2009
Los Angeles, CA—The Paley Center for Media will honor the multi-award-winning, critically acclaimed The Simpsons at its annual gala in Los Angeles this December by celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the longest-running primetime comedy show in the history of American television while recognizing the groundbreaking show’s impact on the television medium and pop culture. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Paley Center’s ongoing efforts to increase the public’s understanding of the media and its growing significance in today’s society through various public and industry programs. The gala will be held on December 8, 2009, at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.
“The Paley Center is pleased to honor The Simpsons. Under the direction of James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, and Al Jean, the show continues to push television in new directions by presenting bold and innovative animated programming that appeals to many generations,” commented Pat Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of The Paley Center for Media. “With its unconventional depiction of the American nuclear family, The Simpsons has had a tremendous impact on the television sitcom over the last twenty years and continues to influence and redefine the medium.”
Past gala honorees include Alan Alda, Julie Andrews, Steven Bochco, Kevin S. Bright, David Brinkley, Tom Brokaw, Jerry Bruckheimer, Carol Burnett, James Burrows, Sid Caesar, Marcy Carsey, Peter Chernin, David Crane, Ted Danson, Dick Ebersol, the cast and writers of Everybody Loves Raymond, Kelsey Grammer, Merv Griffin, Marta Kauffman, David E. Kelley, Leslie Moonves, Mary Tyler Moore, Jack Paar, Dan Rather, Sumner Redstone, Carl Reiner, the cast and writers of Saturday Night Live, Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, Martin Sheen, Showtime Networks Inc., Sony Corporation, Sir Howard Stringer, Barbara Walters, John Wells, Dick Wolf, Bob Wright, and Jeff Zucker.
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The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1976 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry. For more information, please visit www.paleycenter.org.