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One of the best character actors of his generation, Hudson has starred in more than 50 feature films (including 27 indies!), ranging from mega-hits like Ghostbusters, Congo and Leviathan, to independent productions like 2005 Sundance favorites " Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing" and " Sledge," and, more recently, Halfway Decent, where Hudson is the lead.
As a child growing up in Benton Harbour, Michigan, Ernie Hudson wrote short stories, poems and songs, always thinking that his words might one day come to life on stage. After a short stint in the Marine Corps, he moved to Detroit where he became the resident playwright at Concept East, the oldest Black theatre in the country. In addition, he enrolled at Wayne State University to further develop his writing and acting skills and found time to establish the Actors' Ensemble Theatre where he and other talented young black writers directed and appeared in their own works.
After graduating with a B.A. from Wayne State, he was rewarded a full scholarship to the M.F.A. program at the prestigious Yale School of Drama. While performing with the school's repertory company, he was asked to appear in the Los Angeles production of Lonnie Elder's musical " Daddy Goodness," which led to his meeting Gordon Parks who gave Hudson the costarring role in his first feature film, " Leadbelly (1976)." Before moving West to become a Hollywood star, Hudson enrolled in another academic program at the University of Minnesota that would lead to a Ph.D.
"We are honored to present Ernie Hudson the Method Fest 2006 "Indie Supporter Award," said Method Fest executive director Don Franken. "He's a great star who has created memorable roles in big studio productions, but throughout his career he has been a true supporter of independent film."
The tribute to Ernie Hudson, presented by Prudential California Realty John Aaroe Division Calabasas, kicked off Method Fest activities for 2006. The 8th annual Method Fest is slated for March 31 - April 7 in Calabasas. The Method Fest, celebrating breakout acting performances in independent film, is the only film festival in America that puts its focus on the actor. In only seven years, more than 65 films which played at The Method Fest have received theatrical release or cable and DVD/video distribution. The lineup for the 8th method Fest will be announced March 2 at a reception at The Pierce College's Performing Arts Center.
The Method Fest is presented by the City of Calabasas and presenting media partners, Charter Communications and the L.A. Daily News. Lead sponsors include New Millennium Homes, MSN Spaces, Standard Pacific Homes, Corona, and Adelphia (Golden Reel Sponsors), Bob Smith BMW, a Silver Reel Sponsor. LA Auto Gallery Ferrari/Maserati, a Spinning Reel sponsor.
Bronze Reel Sponsors include D2Homes, SAG Indie, JetBlue, the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley, Sony, Reels on Wheels, Country Inn & Suites by Carlson and FilmFinders. ValleyCrest Companies, Viewpoint School 's Carlson Family Theatre, the Motion Picture and Television Fund's Louis B. Meyer Theatre are official venues.
Festival Supporters include Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Ice Age, King's Fish House, Native Café, Sagebrush Cantina, Leonis Adobe, Mi Piace, and Foxen Winery.
