2018 HONOREES & PRESENTERS
Joe Mantegna is credited with over 200 TV appearances and feature films including “Searching for Bobby Fischer”, “The Godfather Part III”, “Celebrity”, “Forget Paris” and “Liberty Heights” to name a few. On television, Joe has been nominated 3 times for Emmy awards and has starred in critically acclaimed projects such as “The Rat Pack”, “The Last Don”, “Joan of Arcadia”, “The Starter Wife” and is currently the star of the long running hit show “Criminal Minds”. Celebrating over 40 years in show business, Joe is also the proud owner of Chicago Pizza in Burbank, offering the best deep-dish Chicago-style pizza in town. Joe also has a huge heart and his philanthropic efforts are felt worldwide. Just a few of the charitable causes that Joe champions include: “The Gary Sinise Foundation”, “Inclusion Films”, “The Barbara Sinatra Foundation”, “Easter Seals Chicago”, “Autism Speaks”, “Tutor/Mentor Connection”, “ACT Today for Military Families” and is the official spokesman for the “National Army Museum”. To acknowledge his philanthropy and continual commitment to the community, The Marshall Family and the Burbank International Film Festival are proud to present Joe Mantegna with this year’s “Garry Marshall Spirit Award” to honor Garry’s memory and legacy. “We are thrilled to have Joe as this year’s recipient, as he is everything that this very special award represents”.
JOE MANTEGNA: HONOREE
Kazuhiro Tsuji was born on May 25, 1969 in Kyoto, Japan. Kazu has a long and illustrious career as a special effects make-up aand visual artist. Most recently, Kazu won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling for the historical film “Darkest Hour” . Gary Oldman, who also won the Academy Award for “Darkest Hour”, talked Kazu out of retirement to create the Winston Churchill prosthetics saying that for him, Kazu was the only man to turn him into the iconic character. Kazu earned previous Oscar nominations for the comedies “Norbit” and “Click”. Early in his career, Kazu began working with famed make-up artist Dick Smith in Japan on Kiyoshi Hirosawa’s film “Sweet Home”. On the set, Kazu met Soon Yang who became a friend and colleague and helped Kazu come to America to work on “Men In Black” with another legend, Rick Baker. Kazu’s many projects include “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for which he won a BAFTA. Kazu crafted the silicone model of Brad Pitt’s head used to artificially age him via CGI for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”. In 2012, Kazu created the prosthetics which turned Joseph Gordon-Levitt into a young Bruce Willis for “Looper”. After his work on “Looper”, Kazu decided to leave the film business and focus on sculpture crafting giant busts of people such as Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali, Abraham Lincoln, and his mentor Dick Smith. Kazu’s many credits include “Planet of the Apes”, “Total Recall”, “Tron: Legacy”, “Transformers: Age of the Fallen” and “GI Joe: Mark of the Cobra”. We are thrilled to be honoring Kazuhiro with this year’s Special Effects Makeup/Design Award.
KAZUHIRO “KAZU” TSUJI: HONOREE
Michael Westmore is a third generation of Hollywoodís Royal family of Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists. The Family’s history of makeup design and wig creation dates back over 120 years. Michael’s father Monty Sr., was the personal
makeup artist to Rudolph Valentino and his five famous uncles department headed most every major studio in Hollywood. During his 50+ years in the Motion Picture Industry he has worked with such stars as Sylvester Stallone, Farrah Faucet, Robert De Niro, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza, Betty Davis and even “Land of the Lost” and “The Munsters”. Eighteen years of Michaels career was spent with Gene Roddenberry creating all the creatures and aliens that inhabited the Star Trek Universe. Michael has been recognized with over 100 national and International Awards which include an Academy Award for the movie “Mask”and three additional Academy Nominations for ì2010î, “Clan of the Cave Bear” and “Star Trek First Contact”. Over his career he ís garnered 9 Emmys and 42 Emmy Nominations. In 2008 Michael and his family were recognized for their contributing makeup artistry with a STAR on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Presently he is appearing as “The Mentor” with his hostess daughter McKenzie Westmore on the hit SYFY Television makeup challenge – “Face Off”. The Burbank International Film Festival is proud to honor the Westmore family for over 100 years of excellence in the television and motion picture industry and to present this special award to honor Michael Westmore for all his individual achievements.
MICHAEL WESTMORE: HONOREE
Shannon Teague is a disabled veteran who served in the United States Marine Corp. from 2000-2004 as a Corporal and currently works as a licensed social worker at the Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. While serving as a Marine during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) she was injured during training and suffered severe nerve and neck injuries, was discharged and received 100% disability. Currently on two trips to Africa and Thailand in 2017 and 2018 doing humanitarian/ missionary work with Eastside Christian Church in Anaheim and volunteers as their liaison for the homeless. If that’s not enough, she is also a single mother of two boys, Riley and Grayson ages 2 & 15. Shannon will soon be working with a new organization, VMET (Veterans’ Mental Evaluation Team), the first of its kind in the nation to deal with veterans’ PTSD and other mental issues. Her partner is a VA federal police officer; she is the clinician on the mental health team and goes out on crisis calls with local law enforcement. Shannon graduated with a Master’s Degree with honors in Social Work at the University of Nevada Las Vegas and is decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. We are proud to Honor Shannon Teague with our Act of Valor Award.
CORPORAL SHANNON TEAGUE: HONOREE
1st Sergeant Roberto Gonzalez served in the military (11 Bravo Infantry) from December 30th, 1989 to November 7th, 2016 and has faithfully served our country for over 26 years. Roberto began training after completing both Basic & Advance Training and was assigned to European theatre (Germany) and then transferred to Fort Carlson, Colorado in 1993 where he then transitioned into the California National Guard. In 1997 he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from San Diego State University. While serving in the California National Guard he was activated on many occasions for earthquakes, fires, floods and other natural disasters throughout the country. His tours of duty include Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), with his first tour as part of the invasion of Iraq (2003-2004). His second tour was 2005-2006 and his 3rd tour of duty was from 2008-2009. Roberto is decorated with the Bronze Star, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Iraqi Expeditionary Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Air Assault Badge and the German Armed Forces Badge. Since 2007, Roberto has been working with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. We are proud to Honor Roberto Gonzalez with our Act of Valor Award. E8/1SG Highest Rank.
1st SERGEANT ROBERTO GONZALEZ: HONOREE
Lieutenant Colonel Douglas Woodhams has served in the US Marine Corps, both active duty and in the reserves, for over 20 years. In 1999 he deployed as a Platoon Leader within the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. His platoon was designated as the ground quick reaction force for the humanitarian mission to the people of East Timor. As a Company Executive Officer for a Light Armored Reconnaissance company, his unit was the spearhead of the advance to Baghdad to remove Saddam Hussein from power. Following Saddam Hussein’s removal from power, Doug was deployed again to Iraq, as a military advisor and was promoted to the rank of Major. He then deployed to Iraq in the fight against ISIS and threats we face from abroad. Lt. Col Doug Woodhams has been the recipient of the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with Gold Star in lieu of second award), the Navy and Marin Corps Achievement Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and two Presidential Unit Citations.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL DOUGLAS WOODHAMS: PRESENTER
Kelly Hu is an American actress, voice artist, former fashion model and beauty queen. She was Miss Teen USA 1985 and Miss Hawaii USA 1993. Hu starred as Dr. Rae Chang on the American television soap opera “Sunset Beach” and as Michelle Chan on the American television police drama series “Nash Bridges”. She has also starred in numerous films including: “The Scorpion King”, “X2”, “Deathstrike”, Cradle 2 the Grave”, “The Tournament” and “White Frog”. Hu has had recurring roles as Pearl on the CW series “The Vampire Diaries”, as China White on the CW series “Arrow”, as Abigail Cho on the Syfy series “Warehouse 13”, as Stacy Hirano in the animated series “Phineas and Ferb”, and as Oroku Karai/ Hamato Miwa on “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”.
KELLY HU: PRESENTER
Fritz Coleman is NBC4’s weathercaster and a Southern California broadcasting icon. Coleman is well known for his sense of humor and in 1999 was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year Award for his fundraising on behalf of the American Red Cross. A long-time stand-up comic, Coleman has performed at The Improvisation, The Ice House and many other comedy clubs. He has utilized his humor in a number of series and specials, receiving four LA area Emmy Awards. Fritz is the unofficial Mayor of Toluca Lake and uses his celebrity to support a variety of charitable organization. Fritz’s philanthropy, sense of humor and continual commitment to the community is why The Marshall Family honored Fritz with last years “Garry Marshall Spirit Award” and proud to have him present it to this years recipient.
FRITZ COLEMAN: PRESENTER
Winter began her film career at age seven in director Shane Black’s hit cult film, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” and currently stars on ABC’s critically acclaimed and Emmy® winning hit series, “Modern Family” playing ‘Alex Dunphy,’ the brainy middle child in the Dunphy family. Winter also stars on Disney Jr. as the title character for the series “Sofia the First”. Ariel appeared on stage in the production of “Truck Stop” — a 1970s based drama centered on the friendship between a kid with cerebral palsy and a troubled runaway. Feature films include the thriller “Duress”, “Young Trixie” in Warner Bros.’ “Speed Racer”, “The Chaperone” opposite WWE star Paul Levesque (Triple H) and a lead role in the hit thriller “One Missed Call” where she plays the killer in the film. Television credits include the female lead in the TV movie, “Fred 2: Night of the Living Fred”, the sequel to the hit film, “Fred: The Movie”, a recurring role on the final six episodes of the award winning drama “ER” and guest-starring roles on hit TV shows Criminal Minds” “Crossing Jordan”, Nip/Tuck” and “Bones”. Winter is an avid singer and young activist. She is involved in several charities and organizations such as the Creative Coalition, the Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry, WWE’s anti-bullying campaign Be A Star and GLSEN. We are thrilled that Ariel will be presenting the festival’s first ever “Youth in Cinema” award.
ARIEL WINTER: PRESENTER
Tyler was born in Santa Monica, California, and lives in the Los Angeles area with his two dogs. He is the son of Cyndi Garcia and actor/writer John Posey. Tyler developed an early interest in the arts, and began his acting career performing on stage with his actor/writer dad, at the age of six. He is also a singer and songwriter. Posey was cast in his breakout role as the lead in the MTV television series “Teen Wolf”, based on the 1985 film of the same name. Posey plays high school student Scott McCall, who is bitten by a werewolf and must keep this fact secret while protecting his loved ones from a host of supernatural threats and beings and became a co-producer for the fifth season of the show. Currently Posey plays Shane, a series regular on the third season of the MTV slasher television series “Scream”. On the Big screen, Tyler was cast as Lucas in the Blumhouse supernatural thriller film “Truth or Dare”, appeared in the film “Collateral Damage” and played Jennifer Lopez’s son in the romantic comedy “Maid in Manhattan”. Posey also voiced a character in the pilot of the Disney original cartoon “SheZow” and co-starred with Twilight actor Booboo Stewart in the film “White Frog”. Other notable TV credits include “Jane The Virgin”, “Brothers and Sisters”, “Lincoln Heights” and “Smallville”.
TYLER POSEY: PRESENTER
At the age of 13, Kirkland began making super 8 films which sparked his desire to seek a career in the entertainment industry. At 17, he studied in the Experimental Animation Program at Cal Arts, and earned a BFA degree. In 1976, he won the Student Academy Award for his graphically animated film. After graduating, he applied to Disney, but was not accepted and instead began working for Hanna-Barbara. He began working on The Simpsons in season two and has since directed over 78 episodes and is now the show’s supervising director. Kirkland has won three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Environmental Media Awards.
MARK KIRKLAND: PRESENTER
A true Renaissance man, Sean Kanan epitomizes the expression “triple threat“ having achieved success as an actor, producer and writer. Sean’s newest book, Success Factor X, became an Amazon new release best seller one week after its release and is now available on Amazon. Sean’s career exploded with his breakout performance as a villain, Mike Barnes, in the Karate Kid III beating out over two thousand hopefuls to his iconic roles in daytime television playing black sheep AJ Quartermaine on General Hospital to his critically acclaimed portrayal of Deacon Sharpe on The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful, television’s most syndicated show in history seen in over one hundred countries. Having appeared in more than one thousand episodes of network television and fifteen feature films, Sean is recognized around the world. Sean splits his time between Los Angeles and Palm Springs where he dedicates his free time to charitable endeavors, practicing martial arts, traveling and studying multiple foreign languages.
SEAN KANAN: PRESENTER
Crystal Allen is a Canadian actress with major roles in television and film. She starred opposite Brandon Routh in “Crooked Arrows” and “Ghost Storm” with Carlos Bernard. She is currently a series regular on the Canadian sitcom Canooks as a series regular and is also known for her portrayal of the Orion Slave Girl D’nesh on the Star Trek series “Enterprise” and as Navigator Yara in the popular independent film, “Of Gods and Men”. Allen’s additional notable performances are on hit TV shows such as “Castle”, “Body of Proof”, “Haven”, “Prison Break”, “Desperate Housewives”, “Boston Legal”, “Navy NCIS”, “Modern Men”, “Sex and the City”, “The Sopranos”, and the feature film “Maid in Manhattan” and the Hallmark movie “Falling in Love with the Girl Next Door”. Allen starred in the latest two sequels to their already hit films Anaconda 3 & 4. Crystal has been a guest to the Monaco TV Festival in past years and in 2013 was a member of the festival jury. We are pleased to once again have Crystal as one of our celebrity presenters this year.
CRYSTAL ALLEN: PRESENTER
June Squibb’s most recent film appearance was in Alexander Payne’s Nebraska as Kate Grant starring opposite Bruce Dern. She was nominated for “Best Supporting Actress” at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Sag-Aftra Awards, Critic’s Choice Awards, and the Independent Spirit Awards. She had also appeared in director Payne’s earlier film About Schmidt opposite Jack Nicholson. Other films include Welcome to Mooseport, In and Out, Scent of a Woman with Al Pacino and Far From Heaven. Her most recent Indie film (currently in post production) is I’ll Be Seeing You with Blythe Danner. She recently appeared on TV in Getting On, Girls, Glee, Devious Maids, and the upcoming HBO Comedy Special, 8 Days in Hell. On Broadway, June played Electra, the stripper, in Gypsy with Ethel Merman, Happy Time (the musical), Gorey Stories and Sacrilege. We are proud to once again have Oscar Nominee June Squibb as a presenter at this years Awards Show.
JUNE SQUIBB: PRESENTER
Gigi is undoubtedly best known for her role as Chiana on the science fiction TV series Farscape. She originally was hired for only one episode, but by the beginning of Season 2, she was promoted to be a series regular on the show, appearing in total of 68 episodes. Guest starring roles on TV, include “The Lost World”, “BeastMaster” and popular Australian TV shows such as “The Secret Life of Us” and “Stingers”. She starred as the female lead in the critically acclaimed Australian Drama/Thriller “Last Train to Freo” and was nominated for a Best Actress in a Lead Role by the Film Critics Circle of Australia. She also had a supporting role in the USA Network TV miniseries “The Starter Wife” and became a regular on the Aussie T.V. series “Rescue Special Ops”. Most recently, Gigi hosted “Jim Henson’s Creature Shop Challenge” on the SyFy Channel. As a child, Gigi Edgley performed both in and out of school. She became mainly interested in acting and had her first professional theatrical engagement at the Twelfth Night Theater. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Queensland University of Technology and she began acting steadily in Australia on T.V. As a believer in the school of method acting, Gigi has developed a broad set of skills and experiences for her roles. She is proficient in ballet, jazz, character dance, singing, and martial arts.
GIGI EDGLEY: PRESENTER
Ken Davitian was born in Los Angeles, to an Armenian-American family in Montebello. Davitian worked in his father’s waste management company until graduating from Whittier College. He is an actor and producer, known for the feature films, “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan” ,“The Artist” and “Meet the Spartans”. Television credits include a recurring role on “Ray Donovan” and guest-starring roles on “Hawaii: Five-O”, “Two and a Half Men” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” to name a few. Davitian was the Winner of the “Best Villain - Feature” award for “Abstraction” at the Action On Film International Film Festival and says his teenage idol was Burt Reynolds, who greatly influenced his choice of becoming an actor.
KEN DAVITIAN: PRESENTER
