Canku Ota

(Many Paths)

An Online Newsletter Celebrating Native America

March 20, 2004 - Issue 109

The American Indian LA Film and TV Awards

Hollywood, Calif ... Excitement filled the air at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Burbank, California as award winners were announced at a small press conference. The afternoon started with actress Crystle Lightning accepting the honorary award for her portrayal of Iraq war hero Lori Piestewa in the NBC movie Saving Jessica Lynch.

The supporting acting categories were announced two days prior to the press conference. Director Susan Brigham accepted Irene Bedardís award for Tortilla Heaven. Gary Farmer reached the conference late but accepted his award for The Republic of Love. Delanna Studi and Gil Birmingham accepted awards for their roles in the ABC Mini-Series Dreamkeeper.

Sheila Tousey was awarded best actress in a TV Mini-Series for her work in Dreamkeeper. Ricco Ross and Paul Winters accepted for her. Producer Carlos Milano and his actress wife accepted the best actor award for August Schellenberg for his outstanding work in Dreamkeeper. Filmmaker Georgina Lightning accepted the best TV Mini-Series award Dreamkeeper for ABC and Hallmark Entertainment.

Irene Bedard won the best actress award for her role in Greasewood Flat. The Director of that film, Susan Brigham, accepted for Irene, who is filming a new movie called If in Arizona. Crystle, Cody and William Lightning accepted the best actor award for Guy Ray Pocowatchit in Dancing on the Moon. Guy is promoting his Independent film at a festival and couldn't make it.

Best Picture went to the western Nate and the Colonel. The story surrounds two friends who come out of the Civil War through tragedy, as the Colonel's wife is murdered and Nate is a former slave. They travel out west and befriend a group of Chippewa Indians and their lives are changed forever. Beautifully shot in and around Southern California Nate and the Colonel is filled with many native actors including Billy Day Dodge, David Midthunder, Mark S. Brien, Al Harrington and Victoria Regina. The daughter of David Carradine, Kansas was cast as a slave girl.

The Email online vote is still being tabulated as it reaches over 1,000 popular choices from the U.S. Canada and Alaska. Irene Bedard has the best actress vote with 91. Dancing on the Moon reached 103 votes for Best Picture. TV Supporting Actor Gil Birmingham has tallied 71 votes. Your voting results will be announced on http://www.nativeroscoe.com/

From Hollywood,
Roscoe Pond

Ballroom Chat	Ballroom Before Conference

Posters	Sam Bear Paw (Nate and the Colonel) left, talking to friend

Chat: David Midthunder, Saginaw Grant back	Gil Birmingham greeting reporter

Billy Day Dodge was in "Nate and the Colonel"	Delanna Studi accepts her award

Crystle Lightning accepts from Roscoe.	Crystle speaks	Ricco Ross and Paul Winters accept for Sheila Tousey

Gil Birmingham prays before speech.	Mr and Mrs Milano accept for August Schellenberg	Mark Reed (Native American caucus chairman SAG) presents

Georgina Lightning accepts for "Dreamkeeper"	Susan Brigham accepts for Irene Bedard (best actress)	Delanna Studi announces best actress in a film.

The Lightning Children (Crystle, Cody and William) announce Best actor in a film.	The Lightning accept for Guy Ray Pocowatchit.

Actress Victoria Regina announces best picture “Nate and the Colonel.”	"Nate and the Colonel" cast: Left Ricco Ross, Paul Winters, Carlos Milano, Victoria Regina and Sam Bear Paw.	Ricco Ross and Ms. Rondeaux. Daughter of Rod Rondeaux...

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