Reno 911’s Nash Hosts AWRT
American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT) will honor the contributions and achievements of women in media and entertainment at the 34th Annual Gracie Awards Gala at the New York Marriott Marquis on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. We are pleased to announce that Niecy Nash, host of Style Network's Clean House and Comedy Central's Reno 911 will serve as this year's Host of the event. The Gracie Awards (also known as "the Gracies") recognize exemplary programming created for women, by women, and about women in all facets of media, including radio, television, cable and new media.
"I'm so proud to host this year's Gracie Awards," stated Niecy Nash. "As a previous recipient of this prestigious award, I personally understand the importance and relevance of this event. We must celebrate and champion the empowerment of women through the media. This year's ceremony will be the best ever!"
Niecy Nash is living out the dream of every Hollywood actress; starring in two successful TV projects at the same time. She is the Host of the Style Network's home makeover show, Clean House, which has become the network's #1 rated program. AWRT honored Niecy with the 2007 Gracie Award for Outstanding Program Host for her work on Clean House. In addition, Niecy stars as no-nonsense Officer Raineesha Williams on the hilarious Comedy Central hit, Reno 911!, a half-hour unscripted spoof of Cops. The show is so popular it was spun-off into a feature film, Reno 911: Miami. Niecy also recently starred in the FOX comedy series, Do Not Disturb. Her film credits include Robert Altman's Cookie's Fortune; The Bachelor; Malibu's Most Wanted; Code Name: The Cleaner and Guess Who. Her upcoming films include Not Easily Broken and two Disney projects scheduled for release in 2009: G-Force and The Proposal. Nash's television credits are another testament to her talent. Her style, humor and quick wit garnered her a stint as a Correspondent on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. She is also well-known for her recurring role on the Peabody Award-winning comedy series, The Bernie Mac Show, portraying Bernie's uproarious baby sister, Benita.
Niecy made her animated series debut on "Kid Notorious," which was based on the infamous life of legendary Paramount Studios producer Robert Evans. She was lauded for her amazing voice work as Tollie Mae on the series, and has gone on to lend her distinctive voice skills to characters on two Cartoon Network Adult Swim series, The Boondocks and Minoriteam. Recently, she starred as the voice of Mrs. Boots on the popular ABC Family animated series, Slacker Cats. Niecy also voices the character of Miss Yelp in the animated feature, Horton Hears A Who, with Jim Carrey and Steve Carrell, which has grossed nearly $300 million at the box office worldwide.
Additionally, Niecy is developing various television and film projects through her own production company, Next In Line. In her precious spare time, she is devoted to church and participating at charitable functions in support of causes that are close to her heart, including the prevention and awareness of HIV/AIDS, breast cancer, school violence, and domestic abuse, among others. A recipient of the 2007 National Woman in the Arts Award from the St. Louis Grand Center, Niecy has managed the almost impossible; being both a successful actress and mother for the last sixteen years.
The Gracies are presented by the Foundation of AWRT, the philanthropic arm of AWRT that supports educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Gracie Allen Awards, established in 1975, honors programming and individuals of the highest caliber in all facets of radio, television, cable and web-based media, including news, drama, comedy, commercials, public service, documentary and sports.
The event is made possible through the generous support of the 2009 title sponsor Dove and The Campaign for Real Beauty and the following additional sponsors: Arbitron, CBS News, CNBC, CNN, Disney-ABC Television Group, Ford Motor Company Fund, Harpo Radio, Katz Media Group, National Public Radio, NBC, NCTA, VCI Solutions, and WE tv.
Sponsored tables are available by contacting AWRT at (703) 506-3290. Additional information about the Gracies, as well as ticket purchasing for the Gala can be found online at www.thegracies.org. For more information about AWRT, please visit www.awrt.org.
About AWRT: The year 2009 marks the 58th Anniversary of American Women in Radio & Television (AWRT), the longest established professional association dedicated to advancing women in media and entertainment. AWRT carries forth its mission by educating, advocating and acting as a resource to its members and the industry at large. Founded in 1951, AWRT works to improve the quality of electronic media; promote the entry, development and advancement of women in the field; foster communication and idea exchange; and give back to the community we serve.
About The Foundation of AWRT: The Foundation of AWRT is the philanthropic arm of American Women in Radio and Television, supporting educational programs, charitable activities, public service campaigns and scholarships to benefit the public, the electronic media and allied fields. The Foundation of AWRT has created partnerships and joint-initiatives with the National Middle School Association, the Emma Bowen Foundation, the American Red Cross and other organizations that are philosophically aligned with the mission of the Foundation of AWRT.
The Foundation supports several public service campaigns including most recently AWRT Empowering America which pays tribute to many of America's most pioneering and inspiring women. Through this initiative, the Foundation of AWRT has adopted needy urban middle schools around the country and provided educational donations derived from collateral based on the Empowering America program. The Foundation also produces nationally acclaimed recognition programs including the Gracie Allen Awards®, a live, New York-based gala that awards exemplary programming created for, by, and about women.
visit its web site at www.awrt.org.
