Celebrity
AARP The Magazine Announces Presenters for the 16th Annual Movies for Grownups® Awards
Published
9 years agoon
By
Willie David
WASHINGTON, (Source AARP) — Academy Award-winner Helen Mirren, award-winning actresses Alfre Woodard and Sharon Stone, actors Treat Williams, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Lucas Jade Zumann, George Takei, Jovan Adepo and more join Emmy Award-winner and host Margo Martindale at AARP The Magazine’s 16th Annual Movies for Grownups® Awards. The event will be celebrated on Monday, Feb. 6 at the historic Beverly Wilshire hotel in Los Angeles.
Event proceeds benefit AARP Foundation, which helps struggling people 50-plus in Los Angeles and around the country transform their lives through programs, services and legal assistance. Chase Card Services, through its AARP® Credit Card from Chase, is the presenting sponsor of the 16th annual AARP’s Movies for Grownups® Awards.
“AARP’s Movies for Grownups recognizes outstanding films that have a unique appeal to audiences with a grownup state of mind. We are happy to honor the talented filmmakers and actors who bring these films to life,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said. “In addition, via AARP’s annual Movies for Grownups Awards, we are focused on raising funds for AARP Foundation, our affiliated charity, which helps struggling adults 50-plus in Los Angeles and around the country transform their lives.”
“AARP Foundation is thrilled to be the beneficiary of this event, which celebrates the vibrancy and infinite variety of people over 50,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of AARP Foundation, the charitable affiliate of AARP. “We’re equally excited to collaborate with the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF) to fight social isolation among older members of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles.”
Also attending the awards are Morgan Freeman (Career Achievement Award), Denzel Washington (Best Actor Fences), Viola Davis(Best Supporting Actress Fences), Annette Bening (Best Actress 20th Century Women), Jeff Bridges (Best Supporting Actor Hell or High Water), Kenneth Lonergan (Best Director and Best Screenwriter Manchester by the Sea), Isabelle Huppert (Best Foreign Language Elle), Brian Grazer (Best Documentary Beatles: Eight Days A Week), Robert Mrazek (Breakthrough Achievement The Congressman), Damien Chazelle (Best Comedy/Musical La La Land), Joel Edgerton and Jeff Nichols (Best Movie for Grownups Loving), Travis Knight (Best Movie for Grownups Who Refuse to Grow Up Kubo and the Two Strings), Mike Mills (Best Intergenerational Film 20th Century Women), Diane Ladd, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, Edward James Olmos, and Movies for Grownups® Awards host committee members: Sherry Lansing (Chair), June Squibb, Robert Forster, Diane Ladd, Ken Scherer, Edward James Olmos, Andrew Karpen, Christine Essel, Sid and Nancy Ganis and event committee members Joe Lumarda (Chair) and Doug Collins.
The star-studded celebration will also include musical performances by Grammy-winning artist Kenny Loggins and Brian McKnight.
With weekly news and reviews, nationwide screenings, and an annual awards event, the Movies for Grownups® initiative champions movies for grownups, by grownups.
For more information about AARP’s Movies for Grownups® Awards, go to www.aarp.org/moviesforgrownups. The entire list of award winners will also be featured in the February/March Issue of AARP The Magazine, available in homes February 1st.
About AARP The Magazine’s Movies For Grownups® Awards’ Philanthropic Goals:
The annual Movies for Grownups® Awards raises funds for AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity, which helps struggling people 50-plus in Los Angeles and around the country transform their lives through programs, services and vigorous legal advocacy. The foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, functional and affordable housing, steady income, and strong and sustaining social bonds.
AARP Foundation is active in Los Angeles. It is working with the Motion Picture &Television Fund (MPTF) to develop programs to reduce social isolation among older people, by keeping them connected with their friends, families and neighborhoods. AARP Foundation also is the founding sponsor of L.A. Kitchen, where California produce considered “waste” is used to make healthy meals for those in need.
About AARP The Magazine:
With more than 37 million readers, AARP The Magazine is the world’s largest circulation magazine and the definitive lifestyle publication for Americans 50-plus. AARP The Magazine delivers comprehensive content through health and fitness features, financial guidance, consumer interest information and tips, celebrity interviews, and book and movie reviews. AARP The Magazine was founded in 1958 and is published bimonthly in print and continually online. Learn more at www.aarp.org/magazine/. Twitter: twitter.com/AARP
About AARP:
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into ‘Real Possibilities’ by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.
SOURCE AARP
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
____________________________________________
Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
1 year agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
