Celebrity Sighting
Tatum O'Neal reunites with long-lost co-star at Lone Star film gala
Local film buffs and industry insiders hit the Fort Worth Club in downtown Cowtown for the fifth annual Lone Star Film Festival Ball, where the Lone Star Film Society celebrated Julian Schnabel, Tatum O’Neal, Bob “Daddy-O” Wade and Ray Benson. Honorees walked the red carpet; moved inside for cocktails; then settled in for a formal awards ceremony, seated dinner and live auction.
Tatum O’Neal received the Maverick Award, which is given to artists who consistently demonstrate an independent approach to cinema; previous winners include Robert Rodriguez and John Hawkes. O’Neal was recognized for her early success, longevity in the industry, and discretion in selecting interesting and impactful films.
Burton Gilliam, who appeared next to O’Neal in Paper Moon, for which she became the youngest person to win an Academy Award, presented her with the award. The two had not seen each other in more than 40 years before reuniting on Friday night.
Film critic and Modern Cinema programmer Christopher Kelly presented the Achievement in Film Directing Award to New York artist and director Schnabel, who joins a group that includes Jeff Bridges, Martin Sheen and Billy Bob Thornton.
The LSFS also awarded Ray Benson the Stephen Bruton Award and Bob “Daddy-O” Wade the Visionary Award. Shep Gordon, the legendary producer and subject of Supermensch, which screened at the 2014 festival, presented Benson with his award. Previous Stephen Bruton Award recipients include Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Billy Joe Shaver and Lyle Lovett.
The Lone Star Film Festival Ball is the principal fundraising event of the Lone Star Film Society. Proceeds from the ball and live auction support the Lone Star Film Society’s All in Film Workshops, which teach the principles of filmmaking to underserved populations as a tool for self-expression, career attainment and media literacy.