at Breakthrough AwardsThe Breakthrough of the Year Awards are presented by Hollywood Life Magazine for ground breaking film and TV performances by today’s rising stars. These awards are bestowed by an industry peer who has a special bond with the recipient. So it was appropriate that Justin Chatwin (War of the Worlds) received his award from Dakota Fanning, who portrayed his little sister in the block buster flick. This was not the first time this dynamic duo worked together, as they both appeared in Steven Spielberg’s alien abduction miniseries Taken.

The event, hosted by Eddie Griffin (starring in the film Date Movie) included an A- list cast of recipients and guests such as Harrison Ford, Alicia Silverstone and David Duchovny. Lovely Mary Lynn Rajskub was the winner of the Female Breakthrough Award for her high concept comedic stage productions, as well as her TV and film acting skills. She often has shared the screen with Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama) and Adam Sandler in Punch-Drunk Love.

at Motion Picture Moms EventWhile on the subject of award winning thespians, we were pleased to share an afternoon with Sir Anthony Hopkins at the Motion Picture Mother’s Holiday Luncheon. This organization, founded in 1939, is composed of ladies whose children are in show biz, and they support the Actors Country House in Woodland Hills. Tom Selleck’s Mom, Martha, is President, and among the celebrated members are the Moms of Annette Funicello, Lisa Hartman, Alex Trebeck, and Lesley Ann Warren.

Hopkins Mom, Muriel, died last year, but he still is an active participant. This year he was presented with the Mary Pickford Achievement Award by Mrs. Buddy Rogers (whose late husband, Buddy, was once married to Pickford) He said he will treasure this award as much as the Cecil B. DeMille Award he will be receiving at this year’s Golden Globes!

at Holiday Event for MomsSelleck, who was with his wife of eighteen years, dancer Jilly Mack, was also lauded for his work with the Motion Picture Moms. Where else could one spend an afternoon with such handsome, accomplished gentlemen? As my friend, former Mousketeer Cheryl Reventlow Post stated, “These ladies are the best producers in Hollywood.”

Save January 26th, for “An All Star Salute to a Legendary Lady”. More than 200 stars from the recording, film and television industry will be on hand on hand to honor Dionne Warwick at the Kodak Theatre. Some of these performers include Gloria Estefan, Olivia Newton-John, Della Reese, Smokey Robinson and scads more. Following the concert, there will be an all-star champagne gala dinner celebration and jam session at the Hollywood Palladium, benefiting the Starkey Hearing Foundation.

Showman extraordinaire, David Gest, is producing the event, so you know it will be very special.. For ticket information, please contact Ms Denise Berry at 310-271-6499. Hope to see you at this evening to remember on the Hollywood Beat.