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DaimlerChrysler Goes "Behind the Lens" to Honor Black Filmmakers
Without a doubt, when visiting Beverly Hills, you have to have your weight up to fit in with Cali’s elite. I witnessed more Range Rovers and Maseratis in one day then I’ve seen on BET all month. I should have brought the Seven down, but then I remembered why I was there.
The weather could have been nicer, but nothing would stand in the way of the scenery at the Beverly Hills Hotel. I recall some Paris Hilton lookalike asking what all the commotion at the hotel was. I explained it was for the 2005 DaimlerChrysler "Behind the Lens" award, which was created in 2002 to celebrate the achievements of African-American movers and shakers behind the film scene in Hollywood. Past recipients include legends such as Gordon Parks (Shaft), Melvin Van Peebles (Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song) and Hollywood casting veteran Reuben Cannon. These individuals have been a key component in the success of mainstream black films. Without their stellar achievements we would not see the remarkable quality of films that make it to the big screen today. Hats off to D aimlerChrysler for their support of legendary Black filmmakers.
 This year John Singleton won the prestigious honor for the thought provoking films he has blessed us with. When one thinks of John Singleton they automatically register “Boyz in the Hood.” It was the first time we saw Nia Long, Ice Cube and Morris Chestnut. While watching DaimlerChrysler’s presentation I suddenly thought back to Poetic Justice, Shaft,Higher Learning and Rosewood. With his recent films Hustle and Flow and Four Brothers, John Singleton just keeps on adding to his supreme legacy. Who will ever forget the emotional feelings and intensity when watching Boyz in the Hood or when Tyrese repped in Baby Boy, or even when the remake of Shaft upheld the status set by the original. All the aforementioned films were displayed, along with a few others, in a wonderful portfolio to bless the accomplishments of Singleton.
The afternoon luncheon was hosted by BET’s Ed Gordon and MTV’s Alisha Davis and was represented by notables Nia Long (my wife in another life), Elise Neal, Tyrese, The Soul Food Cast, Megan Good, Forrest Whittaker, and many others. There was also a Tevin Campbell sighting. Haven’t seen him in a while!
 Frank Fountain, DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Public Policy and President of the DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund presented a $25,000 check to the Dakar Foundation, which was established in 1992 to provide educational opportunities for elementary school children. Singleton was very humble in accepting his award and felt appreciated by the turn out. The most sentimental moment was when some of the actors in his movies spoke on what they meant to him. It had to be touching for him. So touching that he requested a new Charger from Dodge for long-term evaluation. Why not?
Tyrese added more flavor by putting on a performance that moved the crowd. Well done.
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