Lifetime TV’S Amanda De Cadnet Hosts “A Summer Soiree With Gwyneth Paltrow”

Chicago — The Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) announced that Amanda de Cadenet, creator and host of Lifetime’s “The Conversation,” will host “A Summer Soirée with Gwyneth Paltrow,” as the Academy Award®-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow is honored with the prestigious Renaissance Award Saturday, June 15, 2013 at the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Chicago (160 E. Pearson St.). Highlighting the intimate evening will be a conversation between Paltrow and de Cadenet, as they discuss the actress’ career and artistic process, complete with a retrospective of film clips from some of her most notable performances. Capping the evening will be the presentation of the “Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award” to Paltrow by SAIC President Dr. Walter E. Massey.

Renowned photographer and television personality Amanda de Cadenet is best known as the creator and host of the Lifetime television series “The Conversation.” Co-produced by de Cadenet and Demi Moore, “The Conversation” features interviews with notable women, including both famous individuals and lesser-known figures, with the intent of motivating and inspiring women throughout the world.  De Cadenet began her career at 14 as the host of the United Kingdom’s television shows “The Word” and “Breakfast.”  Also an acclaimed photographer, she was the youngest woman to shoot a Vogue magazine cover, and has shot portraits of Drew Barrymore, Sofia Coppola, Demi Moore, Amber Valetta, Olivia Wilde, Mary J Blige, Keanu Reeves, Beck, and many more for outlets as diverse as Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Dazed and Confused, and The New York Times Magazine.

The benefit is co-chaired by longstanding Gene Siskel Film Center supporters and Advisory Board members Eda Davidman and Melissa Sage Fadim.  All proceeds support the Gene Siskel Film Center’s eclectic film programming as well as lecture series and discussions with visiting scholars and filmmakers.  This programming provides the opportunity for students and the Chicago community to experience the best in film presentation. The annual fundraiser is the primary event that ensures that the Gene Siskel Film Center can continue to present the highest quality films and film-related events in Chicago.

Each year, the Film Center celebrates the art of film by honoring a filmmaker who advances the art of cinema. Past honorees have included some of the most respected actors and directors working in the film industry today, including Reese Witherspoon, Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., George Lucas, Nicole Kidman, John Woo, Michael Mann, and, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman.

The award was designed specifically for “A Summer Soirée with Gwyneth Paltrow,” by R.S. Owens & Company, creator of the Oscar® statuette.

Tickets and More Information

The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago proudly presents “A Summer Soirée with Gwyneth Paltrow” in honor of the Academy

Award ®-winning actress Saturday, June 15 at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, 160 E. Pearson Street. Single tickets range in price from $400 to $1,000 (VIP). Table sponsorships range in price from $5,000 to $50,000.  Call (312) 846-2072 for tickets, tables or more information.

Sponsors to date of “A Summer Soirée with Gwyneth Paltrow” include MacLean-Fogg, Ellen and Richard Sandor Family Foundation, Allstate, Sage Foundation, SPLASH, a Chicago Sun-Times Publication, BMO Harris Bank, Marlene Iglitzen/Gene Siskel Charitable Fund and Redbox.

About the School of the Art Institute of Chicago

A leader in educating artists, designers, and scholars since 1866, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers nationally accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees and post-baccalaureate programs to nearly 3,200 students from around the globe. SAIC also enables adults, high school students, middle school students, and children to flourish in a variety of courses, workshops, certificate programs, and camps through its Continuing Studies program. Located in the heart of Chicago, SAIC has an educational philosophy built upon an interdisciplinary approach to art and design, giving students unparalleled opportunities to develop their creative and critical abilities, while working with renowned faculty who include many of the leading practitioners in their fields. SAIC’s resources include the Art Institute of Chicago and its new Modern Wing; numerous special collections and programming venues provide students with exceptional exhibitions, screenings, lectures, and performances.  For more information, please visit saic.edu.