Alec Baldwin to Receive First Annual Kurt Vonnegut Humor award
Indianapolis (PRWEB) September 30, 2014 -- The Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library has selected Alec Baldwin to receive its inaugural Kurt Vonnegut Humor award as a part of Vonnegutfest 2014.
The Kurt Vonnegut Humor award is reserved for recipients with an offbeat, acerbic wit who possess a keen eye for the absurdities of life – much in the vein of Vonnegut himself. Baldwin, an accomplished actor, comedian and political activist, is known as an audacious personality who is often outspoken on a variety of topics.
“Kurt Vonnegut often made people uncomfortable with his honesty and wit. In fact, Vonnegut’s books made people so uncomfortable that they were often banned in schools around the country. An award for humor that carries his name couldn’t go to just anyone. Let’s just say it requires a certain je ne sais quoi —and Alec Baldwin has it in spades! Not to mention that Baldwin is a great friend of the arts and champions many of the ideas that were important to Kurt Vonnegut,” said Director of the Vonnegut Library Julia Whitehead.
Kurt Vonnegut’s son Mark Vonnegut is one of the Vonnegut Library board members who selected Baldwin as the first recipient of this award. “Baldwin revels in making people uncomfortable,” Mark Vonnegut said. "In fact, I'm starting to feel a little uncomfortable right now."
Baldwin is known for both leading and supporting roles in films such as “The Hunt for Red October,” “The Aviator,” “The Departed,” and various Woody Allen films. His performance in the 2003 film “The Cooler” earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. From 2006 to 2013, he starred as Jack Donaghy on the NBC sitcom “30 Rock,” resulting in two Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards and seven Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Baldwin, a big fan of Kurt Vonnegut, had originally planned to attend the Vonnegut Library’s event in November but a film opportunity required his presence elsewhere. “Mark Vonnegut stated that I ‘revel in making people feel uncomfortable,’” Baldwin said. “I thought the best way to make everyone uncomfortable was to not show up to accept the award. Besides, as a resident of Eastern Long Island I find the idea of a clambake in Indiana offensive. Otherwise, I am honored.”
The award will be presented to Baldwin remotely at the Vonnegutfest 2014 Timequake Clambake event November 8th. This event features a live performance from comedian Nick Griffin with dinner provided by the Ritz Charles. For event details and tickets click here.
Vonnegutfest includes events all around Indianapolis on November 7th and 8th, including the “Veterans Reclaim Armistice Day” arts fair with a veterans panel discussion led by NPR Iraq War Correspondent Kelly McKevers, and additional events featuring best-selling writer Jess Walter (Beautiful Ruins), former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins, and a Vonnegut look-alike contest, among other activities. Go to vonnegutlibrary.org or call 317.652.1954 for more details.
About the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library
The Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library is a public-benefit, nonprofit organization championing the literary, artistic and cultural contributions of the late writer, artist and Indianapolis native Kurt Vonnegut. The library seeks to engage people, especially young people, in the written word – including their own. In the historic Emelie Building in downtown Indianapolis (340 N. Senate Ave.), thanks to the support of Katz & Korin, PC, the library is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. except Wednesdays and major holidays. Admission is free, donations appreciated. vonnegutlibrary.org.
Emily Wilson, Bohlsen Group, +1 (317) 602-7137, [email protected]
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