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The National Cable Television Association (NCTA) in conjunction with The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) hosted a special screening of the Oscar nominated Silver Linings Playbook. Senator Chris Dodd introduced Director/Screenwriter David O. Russell along with lead actor Bradley Cooper to speak to the audience about the main theme of the movie – mental illness. Former House of Representatives Patrick Kennedy also spoke about the topic as he is an advocate for mental health.

The movie is Russell’s successful attempt at creating awareness and trying to veer away from the negative stigma surrounding such a very serious illness. Cooper did an amazing job portraying a man experiencing a loss and trying to cope with his actions.

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) was graced with a legend of the film industry. The night honored George Stevens Jr. on his lifetime achievements – which certainly was a long list – and will only continue to grow. He has won a number of Emmy awards, Peabody awards, Writers Guild awards and numerous others. But his biggest feat was founding the American Film Institute (AFI). The organization is now one of the most revered and renowned in the world. In addition to this huge endeavor, his most recent accomplishment was receiving an Academy Award. George Stevens, Jr. actually brought the award with him (along with his late father’s two Oscars) during the Q&A session. Proctoring the questions was none other than the current AFI President, Bob Gazzale.

Notable attendees at the event included: Mark Shields (PBS NewsHour), Jim Lehrer (PBS NewsHour), Victoria Kennedy (wife of the late Ted Kennedy) and Frank Mankiewicz (distinguished journalist).

P.S. I had the chance to hold the Oscar – it was a lot heavier than I had thought. It was also quite shiny!