Melvin Van Peebles, Legendary Film Pioneer, Receives DaimlerChrysler 'Behind the Lens' Award

- Award includes $25,000 donation to the Melvin Van Peebles Foundation - Hollywood turns out to celebrate Van Peebles at award brunch

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 25 -- Trailblazing filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles was presented with DaimlerChrysler "Behind the Lens" award at a star-studded awards luncheon in California held Sunday, October 24, 2004. Van Peebles received the award at the Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica in recognition of his significant contributions behind the scenes of the entertainment industry. In addition to the award, DaimlerChrysler donated $25,000 to the Melvin Van Peebles Foundation.

During emotional acceptance remarks after a song sung to him by vocalist Lalah Hathaway, Van Peebles expressed his pride in receiving the award. "This is sensational," said Melvin Van Peebles. "I'm very happy to accept this award and I am grateful to DaimlerChrysler for the recognition and the donation to the Melvin Van Peebles Foundation."

The Melvin Van Peebles Foundation was founded by Van Peebles to provide educational assistance for under-privileged youth by giving scholarships and grants in any field of study, but especially those that promote excellence in the hard sciences and business. In addition to its philanthropic mission, the foundation seeks to place the works of Melvin Van Peebles in a recognized institution to be curated and preserved as part of a performing arts collection to allow worldwide access for education and research.

"As a longtime pioneer in the film industry, Melvin Van Peebles continues to use his talents and passions for learning to touch the lives of others," said Frank Fountain, President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund. "The Melvin Van Peebles Foundation will not only offer education opportunities for students, but priceless knowledge from Van Peebles himself."

The "Behind the Lens" award was created in 2002 by DaimlerChrysler to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals who work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Award recipients are chosen by an advisory panel of entertainment professionals, which include producer, director Reuben Cannon; producer, director and filmmaker, Reginald Hudlin; producer and filmmaker Paul Hall; Access Hollywood host Shaun Robinson and Frank Fountain and Angela Spencer Ford of DaimlerChrysler.

"This award celebrates the trailblazers that we don't often see, but whose contributions are impacting practically every segment of the entertainment industry," said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group Chief Operating Officer. "At DaimlerChrysler, we feel a particular closeness to the concept of the 'Behind the Lens' award because, as in film and television, we have many people behind the scenes who contribute to our products whom the public rarely gets the opportunity to see."

Emcee Shaun Robinson of Access Hollywood hosted the program with charm, energy and humor as Van Peebles graciously endured an unending stream of celebrity well-wishers, admirers and colleagues at his table, including: Natalie Cole, Reuben Cannon, Tavis Smiley, Bill Duke, Kimberly Elise, Reginald Hudlin, Hugh Masakela and many more.

A lively celebrity panel discussed the life and times of Melvin Van Peebles after the brunch. The panel was composed of actor, director and son Mario Van Peebles; executive producer, director and newly appointed member of the California Film Commission Bill Duke; producer, director, writer St. Claire Bourne and director, producer Warrington Hudlin. As the jokes and anecdotes flew, with revelations that would make most people blush, Van Peebles handled it all with his customary poker face as he clutched his trademark unlit cigar. Van Peebles is currently working on several projects. His 1971 Broadway play "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death" is currently in revival, playing to sold-out audiences in both Harlem and Buffalo.

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