November 12th, 2008. New York City. Ben Stiller
was honored for his accomplishments by the
Museum of the Moving Image at Cipriani 42nd
Street. This was the 24th Black Tie Gala for the
Museum. Ben Stiller is one of the great talents
of American entertainment. A memorable actor, an
accomplished director and writer, an Emmy-Award
winner, and an innovative producer," said the
Museum Director Rochelle Slovin, "Ben is also a
great collaborator, and has partnered with the
finest directors and actors working in film
today." A wide array of presenters who came out
to wish him well. Amy Adams, Will Arnett, Jack
Black, Sean Combs, Robert di Niro, Bill Hader,
Shawn Levy, Mike Myers, parents Jerry Stiller
and Ann Meara, and Triumph The Insult Dog, who
left 'no insult unturned.' Everyone had a funny
story to share about Ben. His parents spoke
about Ben's childhood. They felt he was destined
to be an entertainer recalling their days as
performers in Las Vegas, saying that while they
were on stage Ben was at the pool or being
watched by the Pips and other performers.
We were entertained by scenes from Dodge Ball,
Flirting with Disaster, Meet the Fockers,
Zoolander, The Ben Stiller Show, Tropic Thunder,
There's Something About Mary, and Permanent
Midnight. An added bonus came when we were the
first audience to be treated to a preview of the
upcoming Night at the Museum2; Battle of the
Smithsonian.
Ben said, "Great actors have the ability to
choose the right roles and have hope that they
can be anything they want." He spoke of his love
of film making since he "was a kid." Ben is the
Museum's 24th Honoree, and joins an exceptional
group of past recipients including, Tom Cruise,
Will Smith, Robert di Niro, Richard Gere, Tom
Hanks, Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, Dustin Hoffman,
Ron Howard, Sidney Lumet, Steven Spielberg,
James Steward, Robin Williams, John Travolta,
Barbara Walters, Elia Kazan, and Billy Crystal.
The Moving Image Salute raises funds to support
the Museum's educational programs, which serve
over 30,000 intermediate and high school
students each year. It is the only institution
of its kind in the USA. The Museum of the Moving
Image houses the world's most important film,
TV, and digital media collection-more than
100,000 objects. To learn more go to
www.movingimage.us
Story by Sara Herbert-Galloway