• by Kelly Samardak , December 8, 2010

2010 NYWIFT 30th Annual Muse Awards Luncheon, New York Hilton
December 8, 2010

If a muse really is the power that inspires a poet, artist, thinker, or the like (hopefully not the "like" button) (thanks, dictionary.com), then I'd have to say my muse is pretty clichéd -- it's the city of New York.  No habitat has been so challenging, so irritating, so beautiful, such a tease, so awe-inspiring, so terrifying, such a thief, and such a giver.  It's where dreams are indeed made, but also made to vanish if you hesitate or rest on your laurels too long.  I may have a new muse, however, and I discovered her at today's New York Women In Film & Television Muse Awards.  And no, she isn't the block of chocolate mousse with the syrupy chocolate reservoir.

She is Marsha Hunt, a 93-year-old woman who holds herself in the posture of someone 30 years younger.   Stomping your foot because your Powerpoint "Thank You" slide layout got screwed up on your Jet Blue flight?  Whining because Michael's doesn't have any room for your power lunch reservation?  Grousing because the free cashmere sweater in your goodie bag isn't the right size?  Suck it up, you weren't promised the role of Melanie in "Gone With The Wind," only to find out via publication that it went to Olivia De Havilland.  "I grew up that day," Marsha Hunt uttered solemnly without an ounce of bitterness.  She went on to describe her life as someone blacklisted in Hollywood because of her protest of the House of Un-Americans Activities Committee, a sort of huntin' for commies group established in 1938. 

"In my 30s I suffered two big losses: a flourishing career, and any chance of becoming a mother," Hunt continued.  Without activities like raising a family and work, she was left asking, "How to fill my life?" She credits her 40 year of marriage as a blessing.  She took a trip around the world and returned feeling like "I was a member of the human race." What she saw on her travels was a need, and attending to those needs was how she chose to fill her time.  "It was the causes that filled the need...and they deserve the credit," Hunt said, accepting her Loreen Arbus Award for Those Who Take Action & Effect Change.  The woman is 93 years old.  I need to get busy.

MC Sade Baderinwa was a delightful host, her delivery felt natural and was full of snarky tickles, like her introduction of Cindi "if you mess up, fess up" Berger, high powered publicist to the A-list stars, as who you'd call if you've ever hurled a lamp at a hooker or sexted a teammate's wife.   "But despite all the glitz and galas," Sade countered, "Berger's favorite pastime is staying home with her family... now if only her clients would follow her lead, but then she might be out of a job."

At the table to my left was Jezebel's Irin Carmon, who was itching to get the event underway (it started a bit late, as these things  tend to do), noting that "every minute is metered."  Irin covers everything from politics to Oscar season -- and I'd say it's up in the air which is more scandalous.

Earlier, during the cocktail reception, I met Hannah Reimann, a multifaceted artist; Ken Malloy, who reminded me of our first meeting on the Macy's balcony;  Paula Turanec; Bennett Elliott, whose LinkedIn profile proclaims her as "Producer at 'THE BUTT CALLER' Short," which now makes her my idol; Ann Gray; Kate Forlenza; Liz Friesell-Mason; and lots of other happy, hugging people.

NYWIFT and their portfolio of awards and ceremonies always inspire me to think more deeply about what I'm doing, where I'm going, and how I can better groom (yes, groom) and prepare myself to get there.  Also, by way of their honorees, I am always inspired to rent obscure (or just before my time) movies and read books that inspire these women who are being honored for their ability to inspire. 

For example, Pat Kaufman, a southern belle in New York, who loves the entire state, suggested strongly that we rent "The World of Henry Orient."  It is a movie that delivered her a childhood epiphany that "I wanted to be fearless, to go for it," like the independent young-girl twosome in the movie.  She was also inspired to aspire to nesting in a brownstone, becoming a leader through the Junior League, and sending her kids to the same private school as in shown in the movie.  Yes, these sound like bourgie goals, but Kaufman is an example of someone who has a vision, plops it in front of her, and works toward that vision every day.  Also, by way of Kaufman, I have got to rent "Poultrygeist:Night of the Chicken Dead."

You can find out more about the rest of the honorees on the NYWIFT site.

Now, I must do some jumping jacks and drink some OJ to prepare for the Traffiq Holiday Party at Willow Lounge tonight. 

Photos are up on Flickr!