Roberto Benigni Honored by Anti-Defamation League
(Note to Editors: Photos are available; call contact above)
(Chicago, Ill.--December 24, 1998) Robert Benigni, director, writer and actor in the highly acclaimed film "Life is Beautiful," was honored by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) with its Crystal Globe Award in Chicago last week at a gala banquet, and dramatic lighting co-starred.
Special event producer Sally Schwartz, President and Creative Director of Paint Me A Party Productions Inc., said "The event not only recognized Benigni's contributions as a light for all humanity, but also recreated the wonder of the film itself." Schwartz's company produced the decor and lighting for the Anti-Defamation League's elegant dinner event, and thus became the set designers for one of film's most creative personalities.
The Crystal Globe Award is presented by the ADL to an individual or institution in the arts who helps illuminate aspects of the human condition and teaches that history must not be forgotten or revised. Benigni was its first recipient.
Guests arrived at Chicago's exclusive Standard Club to enjoy musicians performing favorite traditional Italian music. Upon entering the club's dramatic ballroom, attendees audibly gasped, much as the guests did in one of the films most spectacular scenes.
The ballroom was elaborately decorated to suggest the visually stunning set in the film. "There is a party scene in the film where Roberto Benigni's character slips under the dining table to exchange a few words with his love Dora, played by real-life love Nicoletta Braschi, and the audience is taken in by the splendor of the surroundings, the tables dripping with lace. We recreated that moment for this event to dramatize the way we feel Benigni added the light of the human spirit to the tragic events of history" said Sally Schwartz. Film clips shown at the event included this scene.
"When we were selected to design the event we knew that dramatic lighting would create the most impact," said Schwartz. Frost Lighting was hired to install the dramatic lighting scheme with rain lights placed in the large window wells that flank each side of the ballroom; amber uplighting around the perimeter of the space enhanced the mood.
The tables were appointed with Italian ivory lace and shimmery silk lamour underlays. Large silver chargers at each place setting complimented the festive decor palette. Gilded gold frames containing production stills were at each place setting and served as souvenirs for guests.
Paint Me A Party Productions, Inc. is Chicago's top event production firm, with clients throughout the U.S. and around the world. The company was formed in 1985. Recent clients include the Financial Times, Pfizer,
Jim Beam Brands and Hewlett Packard.
***