MPTF (Motion Picture & Television Fund) has announced that its 19th annual “Night Before” party will take place, virtually, on Saturday, April 24.
Funds raised during the iconic evening will be used to support those in the industry who benefit from MPTF’s charitable programs and services, especially during this unprecedented time.
MPTF will also be celebrating the very special honor of receiving the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at this year’s Oscars. This marks the first time an organization will be recognized with this award, after the Board of Governors voted to amend the rules in light of MPTF’s humanitarian efforts in the industry. Jean Hersholt, for whom the award is named, served as president of MPTF for 18 years, from 1938 until his death in 1956. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, MPTF has been a safety net for entertainment industry members, both working and retired, for the past century by providing social, financial, residential, and health services. As an established lifeline within the entertainment community, MPTF serves as a model for an industry taking care of its own with decades of support from its donors, volunteers, and ambassadors.
Since the pandemic began, MPTF has tripled the number of community members it serves, assisting with financial relief, help with managing basic living expenses and health insurance, and issues around social isolation and loneliness, stress, and anxiety, and has made over 15,000 social work and care calls.
“Along with the Academy’s recognition of MPTF’s inspiring humanitarian efforts during the pandemic, our Night Before party this year will celebrate the resiliency of every working member of our film community,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chairman of the MPTF Board of Governors. “On our 100th anniversary, we are excited to join with our nominees and friends to give thanks and look forward to a bright future for our industry.”
The virtual “Night Before” will be designed and produced by Kerry Brown and his Rolling Live Studios, and MPTF will partner with acclaimed chef Antonia Lofaso for a specially curated VIP pre-event mixer hosted by Billy Harris.
The “Night Before,” held annually the night before the Academy Awards has become one of the most coveted invitations in town since its inception in 2003.
