Austin Film Society honors Texans

AUSTIN (KXAN) -  

Moments before the Austin Film Society’s 2010 Texas Film Hall of Fame awards were about to begin, the large tent behind the old airport which housed the event looked like it was going to topple over. Luckily, the rain held off and stars Lukas Hass, Michael Nesmith, Bruce McGill, Catherine O’Hara and Quinton Tarantino made their way down the red carpet bone dry.

The event has come a long way. Hosted by Thomas Haden Church, known for movies like George of the Jungle and Sideways, the Austin Film Society has been honoring Texas luminaries in film at the annual Texas Film Hall of Fame Awards since 2000. The Annual event is the unofficial kickoff to the SXSW Film Festivities.

Church Opened with the statement "they asked me again" but only, he jokingly explained, after he recieved an accidental email listing the nine people who declined before him.

Louis Black of The Austin Chroncile, standing like an Oscar and speaking with the eccentricities of bearded Bill Murray, gave a brief history and long thank you list. One of the founding and talent chairs of the event, he explained when the event first started people were afraid there would be a lack of talent. He proceeded to make a two page list of names and now proclaimed that although the Austin Film Society has no dogma, or vision statement, they managed to cram 1600 people in Hanger 4 at the old airport and create a thriving Austin film culture which supports the "dying art of film writing" and the independent film industry.

Bruce McGill recieved the first 2010 Texas Hill Hall of Fame Award. who has appeared in over 100 films, is possibly best known for his role as D-Day in Animal House. McGill (he plays the William Tell Overture on his throat, which he was kind enough to demonstrate Thursday) was born in San Antonio and graduated from University of Texas.Long time friend and Animal House co-star Tim Matheson indroduced McGill, but only after recalling a time they went on together for Animal House. After getting "loaded" and attending several fraternity parties "under the guise of research", they were asked to leave politely (the fraternity president invited them "to get the hell out" of there or he was going to "kick their ass.") The cast tried to leave, but someone threw something, and Matheson was corned by the football team. McGill came back, only to get knocked down beside Matheson. After attempting to "walk out with dignity" they were both hit again. They made it out eventaully, but it required some fast footwork and a little less pride. Matheson finished by declaring the story sums up Mcgill's character a texan who is "real, honest and fearless."

Katherine O'Hara accepted the honor on behalf of the cast and crew of Waiting for Guffman, a 1996 film which was written by William Levy and both written and directed by Christopher Guest. The film parodies an talentless but optimistic community theater in Missouri ("You know, Missouri love company" explained O'Hara.) as the eccentric residents prepare for production. Filmed in Lockhart and Austin, O'Hara explained how much of the film was improvised, and there are several takes where stars ducked out of the shot to hide laughter.

Lukas Haas recieved his award from Lyle Lovette, he is best known for his Emmy nominated performance of Ryan White in the TV Movie The Ryan White story.

The last to speak,  Quentin Tarantino was the most widely recognized of the nominees. The premiere of Pulp Fiction and his sharing of rare footage He is part of the reason The Alamo Drafthouse has a reputation for speciality exhibitions.

But, the most artistic and uplifting speech was given by inductee Michael Nesmith. World-renowned American pop-artist Edward Rushcha presented Nesmith with his Award. Nesmith, who starred on The Monkees band TV show also served as executive producer for the cult films Repoman, Tapeheads, and Timerider. His 1980's "pop clips" later became the inspiration for MTV. He served on the board of trustees for the American Film Institue for ten years.