abc_logoCalling it a broadcast television first, the American Cinematheque Award honoring Matt Damon on March 27th will be shown on ABC as a special, “Hollywood Salutes Matt Damon: An American Cinematheque Tribute,” at a later TBD date. Quite the coup for Rick Nicita, Chairman of the American Cinematheque, and a much-needed financial shot in the arm for the organization. (AFI makes a mint off the TV rights to its honorings.) MattDamon2010Proceeds from the event go towards the year-round operation of the American Cinematheque’s public programming at the Egyptian and Aero Theatres in Los Angeles. The executive producers of the show are Paul Flattery, Barbara Smith and Michael Dempsey. Irene Crinita is the producer and Kelly Brock co-producer. Damon was the unanimous choice of the Cinematheque Board of Directors selection committee, which since 1986, has annually honored an extraordinary artist (actor, director or writer) in the entertainment industry, who is committed to making a significant contribution to the art of the motion picture.

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