Catholics in Media Associates (CIMA) will honor posthumously dancer-singer-actor Gregory Hines, with a Lifetime Achievement Award at CIMA's 13th annual Mass and Awards Luncheon Nov. 6 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.
"Gregory Hines' name is synonymous with multi-talented," said Michael C. Parker, president of CIMA. "As an Emmy and Tony award-winning singer, dancer and actor, his achievements in film, television, and on the Broadway stage constitute an amazing body of work."
Hines --- who died in 2003 of cancer at age 57 --- earned a Tony for his performance in "Jelly's Last Jam" and went on to earn three more Tony nominations and an Emmy nomination for his performance as the legendary Bill "Bojangles" Robinson in the Showtime biopic. Hines' best known film appearances include "The Cotton Club," "Taps," "Waiting to Exhale" and "The Preacher's Wife."
CIMA was formed by working professionals in the entertainment industry to help them relate their faith to their professional lives. This year's awards will be hosted by actor-producer Joe Mantegna, who most recently starred in the CBS series "Joan of Arcadia." San Pedro Region Auxiliary Bishop Alexander Salazar will celebrate the Mass.
Actor Gary Sinise will receive CIMA's first Humanitarian Award for his work as a goodwill ambassador for the USO. Sinise continues to work with Vietnam veterans whom he says have a visceral response to his "Forrest Gump" character, Lt. Dan. He also plays bass and travels with his musical band, The Lt. Dan Band, jamming tunes from Springsteen to Hendrix for U.S. troops in both the United States and abroad in countries such as Iraq.
Each year, CIMA also recognizes both a film and a television project that contributes to the spiritual and emotional fabric of being human. This year, the feature film to be honored is "Hotel Rwanda," directed by Terry George.
In 1994, one million people were brutally murdered in Rwanda, marking one of the bloodiest chapters in African history. Oscar nominee Don Cheadle portrayed Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who, in the face of unspeakable violence, granted shelter to over a thousand refugees of the Rwandan conflict, thus saving their lives.
This year's choice for television is the drama series "Medium," which follows the life of Allison DuBois (Patricia Arquette), a young mother of three, who sets out to convince the criminal justice system that her innate psychic abilities can help them solve violent crimes whose mysteries often reside with those who live beyond the grave. Editor's note: For more information about the CIMA Mass and Awards Luncheon visit www.catholicsinmedia.org or call (818) 907-2734.
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