The 40th Chicago International Television Awards, aka The Hugo Awards, will be honoring creative genius Joe Pytka on March 11 at Park West during the awards ceremony of its TV competition. Mr. Pytka’s tribute will include the presentation of a Career Achievement Award and highlights from the 5,000 commercials directed by this prolific master.

A three-time winner of the DGA’s Commercial Direction Award, Mr. Pytka is responsible for a tremendous number of unforgettable works promoting such companies as Pepsi, Nike, Apple, ESPN, McDonald’s and Bartles & Jaymes as well as the “This is your brain on drugs” and post 9/11 “NYC Miracle” public service announcements. His creations have included many of the most memorable words and images in the history of television commercial work, which remain engrained in the minds of all who have experienced them.

Last year’s Career Achievement Award was awarded to Bill Kurtis for his part in evolving television production work as a documentarian, journalist, and producer.

The 2004 Hugos Awards Night is March 11, 2004 at The Park West, 322 W. Armitage Ave., with cocktails and hors d' oeuvres starting at 5:30PM. The ceremony, hosted by Bill Zwecker of the Chicago Sun-Times and CBS 2 Chicago, will begin at 7:30PM.