WOODY MEETS HIS HFPA FAMILY

HFPA

WOODY MEETS HIS HFPA FAMILY

December 9, 2013

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HFPA

The HFPA’s recent trip to New York for a series of interviews was topped off by a visit from Woody Allen, who is to receive the association’s Cecil B. deMille Award for his outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. The 77-year-old filmmaker was guest of honor at a reception held for him by the HFPA in New York’s London Hotel. He was joined by two co-stars from his Blue Jasmine movie, Sally Hawkins, who flew in specially from London, and Bobby Canavale.

“I like the HFPA very much—they’re like family to me,” he said. “I always enjoy being with them.”

The veteran filmmaker is not expected at the awards ceremony on January 12, however, but the trophy will be accepted on his behalf by his longtime friend Diane Keaton. Keaton and Allen met in 1968 when she auditioned and was cast in his Broadway play, Play It Again, Sam. They were a couple for 5 years and she appeared in eight Allen films spanning two decades, winning a Golden Globe for 1976?s Annie Hall.

The actor-writer-director-producer-composer-musician is at an age when most filmmakers have long retired but he shows no signs of slowing down. After a more than 60-year career he is, after 55 films, two Golden Globes wins and 11 nominations, more famous now than ever before, although the benefits of fame are something he confesses he has his doubts about. “Fame has many drawbacks and many advantages and it’s close, but the advantages just outweigh the drawbacks,” he says. “Believe it or not, there are many terrible things about being famous and many wonderful things, too.” Photos: Armando Gallo