SBIFF - Annette Bening - American Riviera Award

The 2011 American Riviera Award was presented to Annette Bening by Academy Award winner Kevin Costner.  During his heartfelt presentation, Costner summed it up best referring to Ms. Bening as "our Hepburn." This comparison to the legendary actress was not in disupte by anybody in attendance as Annette Bening's diverse career, which has spanned for over 23 years, was graciously depicted throughout the evening.

The night started on the traditional red carpet with the original Hollywood power couple of our generation,  Annette Bening and husband Warren Beatty arrived walking and talking to fans and stopping for photographs. (sorry Brad and Angelina. . .they were first)

Roger Durling moderated the Q. and A. and was clearly moved being in her presence. Durling said that of any actor ever in attendance during the 9 years he has been affiliated with this film festival, no one has had more of an impact on his life than Annette Bening. Very powerful words from a man who has rubbed shoulders with some of Hollywoods biggest heavyweights over the years.

Durling took the Arlington Theater audience on the Bening Express showing film clips from many of her movies. As so often happens with many first time actors, Annette's first role was a forgettable one playing alongside Dan Aykroyd in 1988 in The Great Outdoors. This, however, led her to Valmont with Colin Firth and then to The Grifters with John Cusack.

Her performance in The Grifters caught the eye of one Warren Beatty who cast her in Bugsy in 1991 where her life would change forever. They married in 1992, worked together again on Love Affair and ultimately became the parents of 4 children together.

Film clips from Running With Scissors, Being Julia, Open Range, American Beauty, Mars Attacks, The American President, and of course, The Kids Are Alright, (the story of two children who were conceived by artificial insemmination bring their birth father into their family life), were also shown. When asked if she would ever consider doing a movie with her husband again, a voice from row 5 with arms raised high yelled, "YES!"  That response, which came from Warren Beatty himself, which was met with resounding applause from everyone. And if they do make another movie together, hopefully 3rd time will be the charm as both Bugsy and Love Affair did not fare well at the box office.

It's great for the festival when Roger Durling moderates and I hope he continues to do so.  He is such a fan, so sincere despite an occassional nervous moment, and so grateful to be in the presence of all the film festivals recipients.  He definitely wears his heart on his sleeve and Annette Bening appreciated being on stage with him.

Annette Bening has been nominated for the oscar 4 times, but make sure you mark her on your Oscar fantasy ballots. . .this is going to be her year!