EMA honors Stein with Freedom of Expression
Award recognizes outspoken individuals
By Cheryl Cheng -- Video Business, 6/10/2008
JUNE 10 | Known for his outspoken economic and political beliefs, writer, actor, filmmaker, economist and lawyer Ben Stein will be honored with the Freedom of Expression Award at the Entertainment Merchants Assn.’s Home Entertainment Awards on June 24.
Stein
The Freedom of Expression Award, whose past recipients include George Carlin and the Smothers Brothers, recognizes those in the home entertainment industry who have spoken out on political, social and cultural issues.
Stein recently hosted documentary Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, which examines the conflict between intelligent design and evolutionists. Vivendi Entertainment will release the film on DVD on Oct. 21.
“Just being a conservative in Hollywood categorizes Ben Stein as courageous,” said Bo Andersen, EMA president. “But more, he has fearlessly articulated, as only he can, views that would be considered provocative by many and established himself a leading conservative voice in the nation. In his latest cinematic work, Ben Stein boldly and without equivocation, embraces a free speech stance and a different world view in the discussion of intelligent design versus evolution. He has made a profound impact on free public discourse, and EMA is honored to present him with our Freedom of Expression Award.”
Other Home Entertainment Award honorees include independent filmmaker Henry Jaglom, who will receive the Independent Career Achievement award; actor Cam Gigandet, with the Rising Male Star of the Year Award; and Happy Days duo Don Most and Anson Williams, with the Legendary Television Duo Award. Actor Ed Begley Jr. will receive the Humanitarian Award, and comedian Pauly Shore has been named Comedy Entertainer of the Year. In a salute to classic TV, EMA will honor Paul Petersen, who starred as Donna Reed’s son in the popular ’50s and ’60 series The Donna Reed Show, with the Legendary Television Son Award.
The awards show will be held during EMA’s Home Media Expo, which will take place June 24-26 at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
