32<\/font>nd <\/font>HUMANITAS Prize \u2122 WINNERS ANNOUNCED<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n Los Angeles, CA \u2013 June 28, 2006. Eleven writers took home a share of $145,000 in prize money for films and television shows that \u201centertain, engage and enrich the viewing public.\u201d Over 350 writers, directors, producers and entertainment executives gathered today at the Hilton Universal Hotel to celebrate great writing at the 32nd <\/font>HUMANITAS Prize.<\/font><\/p>\n Frank Desiderio, President of the HUMANITAS Prize, began the luncheon by reminding theaudience of the significant role that film and television can have in motivating behavior.<\/p>\n Desiderio stated, \u201cthe scripts that we honor today deal with some of the most critical issuesfacing society: medical ethics, racism, global warming and third world debt. We want to move people from their comfort zone and foster dialogue.\u201d<\/p>\n HBO FILMS President, Colin Callender, received the \u201cKieser Award\u201d for his vision as an executive, his leadership in the industry and for his ability to create an environment where filmmakers can succeed. The \u201cKieser Award\u201d is named after producer and priest<\/p>\n Fr. Ellwood \u201cBud\u201d Kieser, the founder of the HUMANITAS Prize.<\/p>\n For the first time in over ten years a Special Award was given to a documentary film. \u201cAn Inconvenient Truth,\u201d directed by Davis Guggenheim, chronicles former vice president Al Gore\u2019s decades long commitment to the issue of global warming. The film weaves scientific data and personal anecdotes into a cohesive narrative that challenges viewers.<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough the film is alarming, it doesn\u2019t call us to despair, but rather to get involved,\u201d added Chris Donahue, Executive Director of the HUMANITAS Prize.<\/p>\n The 32nd <\/font>HUMANITAS Prize winners are:<\/font><\/p>\n Feature Film Category ($25,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n CRASH Written by: Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco (Lions Gate Films)<\/font><\/p>\n A 36-hour period in the diverse metropolis of post-Sept. 11 Los Angeles is the theme of this unflinching drama that challenges audiences to confront their prejudices. Cited \u201cfor its call to reach out with respect and compassion to all of our brothers and sisters.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n 90 Minute Category ($25,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n THE GIRL IN THE CAF\u00c9 Written by: Richard Curtis (HBO)<\/font><\/p>\n The story of a hard-working, shy civil servant Lawrence, and his life-changing relationship with the mysterious girl he meets in a caf\u00e9 opposite Downing Street. Cited \u201cfor the clarion call to universal concern.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n Sundance Feature Film Category ($10,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n QUINCEANERA Written by: Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (Sony Classics) As Magdelena\u2019s fifteenth birthday approaches, her life is consumed by thoughts of her boyfriend, her Quincea\u00f1era dress, and the Hummer limo she hopes will show up on her special day. Life seems so simple in her Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, until fate delivers an unwelcome surprise. Cited <\/font>\u201cfor its enlightened view of living in a multi-cultural world.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n 60 Minute Category ($15,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n HOUSE: Three Stories Written by: David Shore (FOX)<\/font><\/p>\n Dr. House gives the med students a class they\u2019ll never forget as he weaves the stories of three patients who all present similar symptoms. Cited \u201cfor its poignant probe into the pain and confusion that comes when someone we love disappoints us.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n 30 Minute Category ($10,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n MY NAME IS EARL: Pilot Episode Written by: Greg Garcia (NBC)<\/font><\/p>\n Charismatic smalltime crook Earl J. Hickey wins $100,000 in the lottery and then is immediately hit by a car. Cited \u201cfor its light hearted portrayal of how we can right our wrongs.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n Children\u2019s Animation Category ($25,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n MISS SPIDER\u2019S SUNNY PATCH FRIENDS: A Froggy Day in Sunny Patch (Nick, Jr.)<\/font><\/p>\n Written by: Alice Prodanou, Michael Stokes, Steven Sullivan<\/p>\n The Spider kids befriend a loveable, non-conformist frog named Felix, but keep their friendship under the radar, to protect Felix from Spiderus and his corps of bumbling anti-frog vigilantes. Cited \u201cfor its whimsical portrayal of the importance of friendships.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n Children\u2019s Live Action Category ($25,000)<\/p>\n <\/font><\/b><\/p>\n EDGE OF AMERICA Written by: Willy Holtzman (Showtime)<\/font><\/p>\n Inspired by true events \u2013 the story of Kenny Williams, an African-American from Texas, who comes to teach at the Three Nations Reservation High School in Utah. Cited \u201cfor showing that caring and compassionate adults can make a difference.\u201d<\/font><\/b><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n Colin Marshall, a graduate student at Columbia University, was named the recipient of the \u201c2006 David and Lynn Angell HUMANITAS Comedy Fellowship.\u201d Marshall received a $10,000 stipend at the luncheon. His winning comedy spec script was an episode of \u201cMy Name is Earl.\u201d<\/p>\n Since its inception in 1974, the HUMANITAS Prize has presented over 240 prizes and<\/p>\n