The stars were out in force earlier this week at the Sundance Film Festival when The Creative Coalition, a national advocacy organization for the arts and entertainment, gave out their 2011 Spotlight Initiative Awards at a gala ceremony in Park City. Academy-Award winning actor Alan Arkin received a special award for his career contribution and for his latest film THE CONVINCER, which premiered at the Festival earlier this week. Arkin returns to Park City for the first time since LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE premiered here five years ago, and reignited his 40-year career with a walk down the aisle to collect his first Academy Award as Best Supporting Actor. Also honored at the ceremony were actresses Ellen Barkin (ANOTHER HAPPY DAY) and Liv Tyler (THE LEDGE), both with prominent films in the Festival lineup. 

The Feature Film Award was presented to MARGIN CALL, a thriller that revolves around the key people at a investment bank over a 24-hour period during the early stages of the financial crisis, with an all-star cast that includes Kevin Spacey, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons, Zachary Quinto, Penn Badgley, Simon Baker, Demi Moore and Stanley Tucci. The film, to be released later this year by Lionsgate, is directed by J.C. Chandor. 

The Creative Coalition (www.thecreativecoalition.org) is the premiere nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance, primarily public education, the First Amendment, and arts advocacy. Actors Dana Delany and Tim Daly serve as the organization's Co-Presidents.  The Spotlight Initiative was launched in 2008 by The Creative Coalition to support independent films with messages that make a positive difference in the world.

Sandy Mandelberger, Festival Circuit Editor