LOS ANGELES — The Muslim Public Affairs Council honored the makers of “Slumdog Millionaire,” “The Simpsons” and journalist Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! during the 18th Annual MPAC Media Awards gala dinner on Saturday, April 25.

Democracy Now! co-founder and co-host, Amy Goodman.

MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati dedicated the evening to the memory and legacy of Dr. Hassan Hathout, the renowned Muslim leader and ethicist who passed away on Saturday. In a stirring evening filled with emotion, attendees were treated to a line-up of remarkable honorees who provided insightful and inspiring reflections on their awards and on the life of Dr. Hathout.
“MPAC is committed to recognizing people and projects which shape popular culture and influence American public opinion on complex religious, social and political issues,” said MPAC Board Member Dr. Rahmi Mowjood, who served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies.

Democracy Now! co-founder and co-host Amy Goodman received a rousing standing ovation in recognition of her decades-long career of hard hitting and balanced journalism defined by giving voice to the voiceless. In her acceptance speech, Goodman called for audience members to hold the mainstream media accountable for their incomplete reporting, and to support independent media efforts to fill the gaps in public awareness.

Fox Searchlight Pictures Chief Operating Officer Nancy Utley was honored alongside Bollywood megastar Anil Kapoor, who appeared in “Slumdog Millionaire” as the game show host. The film, which follows a pair of young Indian Muslim brothers orphaned in a communal massacre and their friend Latika, was honored for its complex and nuanced portrayal of Muslim characters who persevere despite enormous difficulty.

Steven Dean Moore, the Animation Director of “The Simpsons,” accepted the award for the episode called “Mypods and Boomsticks” which focused on Homer’s suspicion toward the family of his son Bart’s new Jordanian Muslim friend. In the episode, Homer launches a one-man investigation into the family’s “suspicious activities,” only to make a fool of himself as a result of his ignorance and false assumptions.

Playwright Wajahat Ali was named the 2009 Emerging Muslim Artist for his groundbreaking play “The Domestic Crusaders.” Since its premiere at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2005, Ali has held staged readings of the play in Washington, DC and Los Angeles, and looks forward to the play’s New York premiere at the Nuyorican Theater on the anniversary of 9/11 this fall. Comedian Mike Batayeh also performed, capping off the evening with rounds of laughter.

Los Angeles Deputy Mayor for Education Michelle Scott and California State Senator Carol Liu presented MPAC with a declaration in support of the Media Awards and efforts to promote accurate portrayals of Islam and Muslims.

In an effort to promote positive and accurate portrayals of Islam and Muslims, the Muslim Public Affairs Council each year recognizes voices of courage and conscience who are the best in their field. Since 1991, MPAC has honored artists, actors, authors, and activists for their artistic contributions to tolerance and diversity. MPAC’s Media Awards is a production of its Hollywood Bureau, which serves as a resource and ally to television networks, film studios, screenwriters and the creative community at large.

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans. MPAC offices are located in Washington, DC, New York City and Los Angeles.