Beverly Hills, CA [September 27, 2006] --- Will and Jada Pinkett Smith have been selected by the American Screenwriters Association (ASA) to receive the prestigious David Angell Humanitarian Award. The award is named in honor of David Angell, a renowned and respected Emmy winning writer/producer for such television series as Cheers, Wings and Frasier, who perished with his wife Lynn in the September 11 attacks. David and Lynn were devoted to their faith and spirituality and worked tirelessly for numerous charities.

The award was established by ASA, with the permission of the Angell family, to honor an individual in the entertainment industry who contributes to the community at large through their generous donation of time, expertise or other support to improve the human condition. 

“Will and Jada exemplify the principles of the David Angell Humanitarian Award through their support of projects focusing on urban and inner city youth, family well-being, violence prevention and education,” said John E. Johnson, Executive Director of the American Screenwriters Association.  “Their philosophy of leading a positive lifestyle and sincere interest in helping people everywhere is inspirational.” 

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s extraordinary work is supported through the Will and Jada Smith Family Foundation. They have been directly involved in a variety of callings such as assisting AIDS victims in South Africa, donating a library and computers to a children’s homeless shelter, supporting pilot projects to enable speech/language therapists to work with disabled children, and demonstrating genuine respect for others, oneself, education, responsibility, hard work, family and living a healthy way of life.
 
The award will be presented on September 30, 2006 in San Diego, CA as part of the Actor’s Ball and Screenwriting Hall of Fame Awards gala event sponsored by the San Diego Film Festival and ASA. 

“We would like to thank the American Screenwriters Association for this award,” said Will and Jada, “The ability to make a difference is in each and every one of us. You just have to decide to embrace it. We are honored to be recognized by the American Screenwriters Association with this award in David Angell’s memory.”

For more information on the American Screenwriters Association or the David Angell Humanitarian Award, please visit www.goasa.com or contact John E. Johnson, Executive Director at 866-265-9091.
 
 

PICTURES

The award presentation was made on September 30, 2006 at the Screenwriting Hall of Fame Awards and Actor's Ball, presented by the American Screenwriters Association and the San Diego Film Festival.
 

ASA Board member Craig Scott (left) with Michael Copon (One Tree Hill, Scrubs, Power Rangers) and ASA Executive Director John E. Johnson at the presentation of the David Angell Humanitarian Award.

Michael Copon (One Tree Hill, Scrubs, Power Rangers) accepted the award on behalf of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith who could not attend the awards ceremony

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, 2006 David Angell Humanitarian Award recipients