26th Annual American Cinematheque Award Annual Benefit Gala

Ben Stiller was recipient of the 26th Annual American Cinematheque Award. He was toasted by friends and colleagues at the American Cinematheque’s annual benefit gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills in the International Ballroom.

Ben Stiller © Michael Germana

"The American Cinematheque is extremely pleased to honor Ben Stiller as the 26th recipient of the American Cinematheque award at our celebration this year," said Rick Nicita, American Cinematheque Chairman. "Ben Stiller is a comedy icon whose wide-ranging talents include acting, directing, writing and producing. He entertains us in front of the camera with unforgettable performances in groundbreaking comedies such as THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY and franchises like MEET THE PARENTS and A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM. As a director/actor/writer/producer, he gave us the outrageously funny TROPIC THUNDER and we can look forward to THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY next year. His active production company makes movies that span the genres. To sum it up, Ben Stiller is already a renaissance man of comedy and he's going to be sharing his talents with us for years to come."

Stiller was the unanimous choice of the Cinematheque Board of Directors selection committee, which since 1986, has annually honored an extraordinary artist (actor, director or writer) in the entertainment industry, who is fully engaged in his or her work and is committed to making a significant contribution to the art of the motion picture. Funds raised benefit the year-round programming of the non-profit cultural organization, the American Cinematheque.

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor © Michael Germana

"I think it's going to be a lot of jokes, which it should be!" Stiller, 46, said. "It's going to be horrific, I'm sure!" he also said "It's really nice to be honored by this and I'm really grateful," finishing up with "I feel unworthy of the whole thing."

Christine Taylor

Stiller's wife, actress Christine Taylor, added, "I think he's the hardest working person in show business, so I am so on board! I'm so happy he gets a minute to stop and celebrate."

Justin Theroux, Jennifer Aniston © Michael Germana

 
 Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux made their second official appearance since getting engaged on Theroux's 41st birthday Aug. 10.

Aniston wore head-to-toe Valentino and flashed her $500,000 engagement ring as she posed with her betrothed on the red carpet.





 
Some of the other celebrities who helped Ben celebrate included:

Laura Dern                                                         Martin Short

Laura Dern © Michael Germana

Martin Short © Michael Germana

    

Patton Oswalt © Michael Germana

 Eugene Levy

                                            Patton Oswalt

Eugene Levy © Michael Germana

   

Eugene Levy, Ben Stiller, Martin Short © Michael Germana