Charles Rivkin’s Remarks Presenting the MPA America250 Award to Steven Spielberg at CinemaCon
MPA Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin today presented the MPA America250 Award to Steven Spielberg at CinemaCon. The following are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
What an honor to join this historic moment at CinemaCon.
What a thrill to celebrate a true icon: the incomparable – Steven Spielberg.
Every year, we present the MPA Awards to spotlight leaders shaping filmmaking today – and ensuring our industry thrives in the future.
This recognition singles out creators – who inspire us onscreen; policymakers – who champion our industry in government; key figures – whose vision affirms the enduring power of our creative community.
This year, we’re doing something special for America’s 250th – our MPA America250 Award – a one-time honor for a one-of-a-kind visionary.
A leader whose unmatched career speaks to cinema’s central role in America’s cultural impact, our economic strength, our ideals of freedom.
Who better represents that spirit than Steven Spielberg?
The answer’s easy: few come close.
If you want to understand what it means for a filmmaker to produce American exports in local communities – or if you just need recommendations for a cross-country trip:
Take out a map of where Steven shot some of his masterpieces, and you could chart an incredible tour from coast to coast:
From needing a bigger boat in Martha’s Vineyard to finding a place to phone home in L.A; experiencing close encounters in Alabama; navigating a prehistoric park in Hawaii; and covering so many destinations in between.
If you want to understand what this medium can teach us about the richness and complexity of our society – about stark warnings from our past and our obligations to the future:
Then dance to the beats of West Side Story. Or sit in awe at the power of The Color Purple. Or learn the lessons we must heed in Schindler’s List. Or take inspiration from the soaring words of Lincoln – and the unbridled courage of a band of brothers in Normandy.
Sci-fi. Comedy. Adventure. History. Musicals.
For fans of every genre, Steven Spielberg defines what Americans think when we think of movies.
If you love summer blockbusters…
If you want to know why we even have a PG-13 rating…
If you want to learn how to turn two notes of music into a thrilling classic…
If you want a career synonymous with cinema…
Look no further than this brilliant artist, who peered through a camera lens, reenvisioned what’s possible onscreen, and transformed how we see ourselves – and the world.
A creator unlike any other.
A true American legend.
On behalf of our member studios, it’s my distinct honor to present the MPA America250 Award to the great Steven Spielberg.
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