The 75th Writers Guild Awards in New York and Los Angeles Pledge Solidarity

Sunday Night’s 75th WGA Award show celebrated the best in writing for 2022. The “flighty” or “the bird” award as Bob Odenkirk calls them, or, “the majestic seagull” (Matt Walsh),  simultaneously flew down upon New York and Los Angeles for a resounding beat of union solidarity.

At the historic Edison Ballroom in New York, Paul Simms was presented with the Herb Sargent (SNL Weekend Update Creator) Award for Comedy Excellence and Mentorship by Donald Glover, who explained that Paul was essential to the success of ATLANTA. Glover explained that comedy mentorship from the likes of Tina (Fey) and Robert (Carlock) also recipients of this award in years previous, assisted in his success. Tina and Robert would say, 

“Hard work pays off. Even set-ups can be punchlines. Nothing comes easy in comedy.” 

Paul would say, “What is successful? Any show on the air, that you would watch.”

Paul read suggested award recipient remarks from his new show staff on WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS. “Now that I have become a man, please congregate in the center of the room and lift me high in the chair,” and “My work is ultimately a meditation on grief.” So fun.

In Los Angeles, the award's show previous happy home was the historic Beverly Hilton. This year, however, a new hotel dynasty is back on scene -- The Fairmont Century Plaza.

In Los Angeles, the vibe was a bit more serious. While Charlie Kaufman’s 2023 Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement speech touched on key elements of success. Charlie Kaufman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND) states, the world opens up when you take that (film structure) away. Explore truthfully, find voice, be dilligent and somewhat courageous in your attempt to do your stuff in the world. “ 

Meanwhile, Rebecca Lenkiewicz received the Paul Selvin Award for Outstanding Screenwriting for SHE, SAID, whose script "embodies the spirit of constitutional and civil rights and liberties that are indispensable to the survival of free writers everywhere." While SHE, SAID lost the Best Adapted Screenplay to WOMEN TALKING, SHE, SAID's fight against the abuses of power in Hollywood, is the absolute most brave script arriving the scene this year.

The award show in both regions were unaired except for clips on the designated WGA Instagram and YouTube Channels. 

Ariane Von Kamp

Little Star Foundation Honors Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford at Universal Studios

The Little Star Foundation, founded by former pro tennis phenom, Andrea Jaeger,  hosts a Surprise Party for Children’s Cancer Program long time supporter Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber. Little Star Foundation is a 24/7 365 days a year long term care program for children with cancer and children in need.

Cindy Crawford and Andrea Jaeger in Beverly Hills

Guests welcome Cindy and Kaia in the Starlight Room at the Sheraton Universal

“Would we have made it this far with out Cindy? No way! On a heart level, Cindy gave care and friendship, on a global level, Cindy made sure that people knew the critical importance of giving donation dollars to Little Star.”

Andrea Jaeger, Little Star Foundation Founder

Little Star Foundation Kids at Ninja Warrior Event in Los Angeles

Little Star Foundation trip to Universal Studios, Los Angeles

photo by Dan Kennedy

Saturday Night Live's Zack Bornstein Discusses Caveats of A Luxury Lifestyle, Heroes & Monsters

Hi This is Ariane with International Luxury Magazine. ILM is here at the Writer’s Guild of America West - 2018 Awards Show at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. I am here with Emmy nominated, Man of International Luxury, Mr. Zachary Bornstein. Zack is one of the tonight’s winners in the category of Comedy/Variety Sketch Series Award for Writing on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE.

Hello, Zack. May I ask a few questions regarding the writing process with the SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE (SNL) writing staff?

Sure.

Since Donald Trump took office, people have been concerned that his short temper combined with lack of experience in international politics could lead to escalating possibilities of a WW3. SNL seemed to pick up on the pulse and create a safe environment where people could laugh. How do you go about formulating a President Donald Trump parody sketch?

Woah. Well, Trump sketches usually start with something crazy or dangerous or off-putting that Trump really did, and then you take that reality and blow it out.

You have a very large writing staff.

It's in the millions.

Do individual writers have particular areas of expertise?

Not formally, but some people write more political stuff, others write more about women’s issues, others write more just silly stuff, or whatnot.

What would you say is your area of expertise?

Probably international luxury travel.

What is your favorite place to travel?

Just got back from Iceland, which was lovely.

SNL went out on location to Iceland?

No, was just for fun.

I thought you shoot in New York.

Yep.

Are there particular world issues you are concerned about?

Well, I guess I'm concerned that Antarctica is melting, and methane is being released, and there is going to be water shortages and food shortages and costal cities drowning, and ancient diseases we don’t have resistances to are going to be released from the ice shelf, and pretty much every city will become Houston or New Orleans by the end of the century, and there will be no one left to help, but I don’t know if that stuff will make good content for luxury international travelers.

Do you think that comedy is a viable way to change public policy?

God, I hope so, nothing else is working.

Who would you say are your Heroes?

(U.S. Congressman of California) Adam Schiff was here tonight. He's doing wonderful things for California and trying to get that trash monster out of office.

Are the SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Writers interested in changing public policy?

I think most thinking humans are interested in changing public policy. It's pretty bad right now.

How much of the the writing would say is from the performers and how much from you?

The actors and the writers work together on pretty much every sketch.

What do you wear in the Writers' Room?

Sweatshirts. T-shirts. Button-downs, jacket, maybe a hat. You name it.

You look quite dashing and globe-trotterly. What tuxedo label are your sporting tonight?

I forget. Probably Trader Vuitton, Trader Joe's luxury clothing line.

How does the award feel? Are you going to put it in your office?

I'm honored. It's heavier than I was expecting. Might melt it down and sell it for parts.

Who was/is your favorite guest on the show?

Too many to choose, but first to mind, Melissa McCarthy is so goddamn good and super fun to work with.

Melissa was amazing in SPY,  we are hoping for a SPY II - We here at LIM love Susan Cooper... So, are you a Nespresso Man or a Starbucks Man?

Whichever is in front of me.

How tall are you?

...6'2" Why?

Well, I was wondering if you were short for a Viking... Do you have a favorite Victoria Secrets Model?

I don't know any. Am I supposed to know one? What is happening to this interview?

Does everyone call you Beeker from Sesame Street?

Literally no one has ever called me that. Do I look like him? Is that rude? Alright well that you, have a good night now.



Thank you, Zack!