Years ago, veteran television producer Jim Katz would email photos of classic character actors to his brother, David, constantly quizzing him as to the identities of the actors. These weren’t big stars we’re talking about, but rather those familiar faces whose names often escape us - otherwise known as character actors. The tradition became a game between the two to a point where they both decided together, that these men and women that brought such unsung joy to so many audiences deserved their own special awards show. So when they collectively came up with the idea to create an awards show for character actors, the name Art Carney was the obvious choice. His range for both comedy and drama, his workmanlike consistency for decades; for them you could not do any better than Carney. But getting him on board was another story.
As Jim describes, “We sent a proposal to his home in Connecticut, and it came back with 'Rejected' stamped on the envelope. Trying to come up with another way to get to him personally, it was by pure coincidence that Art's son Brian, also an actor, just so happened to be a client at the talent agency where my brother David worked. They got to know each and when the time was right, Brian was introduced to the concept. He liked it so much that he drove up to see his father that weekend to show him the proposal. Art looked it at and asked, "do I have to do anything?" Brian assured him that it wouldn't take up any of his time. Art replied,"I'm honored, make the deal." And just like that, The Carney Awards were born. But he did say that these awards had to be of a very high standard because these actors deserve that kind of recognition.”
That was 17 years ago. In that time, the brothers (by now also working with David’s associate, the well-known radio personality Elvis Duran) doggedly shopped the show to TV networks. Even though the networks weren’t quite ready to buy the show, everyone seemed to loved the concept. As part of the pitch process, Jim created a kind of trivia game to quiz the execs on all of the seasoned character actors. That premise was so well received, “Name That Character Actor” is now actually part of the official production of the Carney Awards, which airs airs on COZI TV Saturday, December 2 at 9PM/8C.
L-R, producers Jim Katz, Elvis Duran and David Katz
The 2017 Carney Awards, taped Oct. 29 at the Broad Stage in Santa Monica and emceed by Dancing With the Stars host Tom Bergeron, honored William H. Macy, Wendie Malick, William Fichtner, Richard Kind and Xander Berkeley. This is the third installment of the awards show, which may have taken some time to get off the ground, but by now has growing support throughout the industry. As Jim told me, “Getting that first show done what’s a real accomplishment for us. We were nervous. Even after our board voted on the winners, we weren’t even sure if anyone would show up. Thank god for the great actress, C.C.H. Pounder. When I made her publicist aware that she had been chosen, he said he would get back to me as to whether or not she would be there. I had no clue what would happen. We were just a start up at that point and so when he called to say she would be happy to be there, all of a sudden all of the other winners lined up and attended. I think her faith in what we were doing really made a difference. Now our little 12-person voting board of directors has about 90 professionals on it, consisting of actors, writers, directors, producers and studio heads that reads like a Who's Who of Hollywood. Everyone from Jason Alexander and Tim Conway to respected executives and other important voices within the industry. Things just keep growing and growing and all of a sudden this crazy little idea is something that keeps me busy most of the year. I think the best part for me is how the recipients respond to the award. It means something to them. They truly feel honored because they know we take this seriously.”
Brian Carney with his father’s iconic hat from “The Honeymooners.”
As to the judging criterion, of the nominees, each actor could not have won an Oscar or an Emmy, they must have been acting for at least 25 years and have a total of at least 50 film and TV credits combined. As well, the Carney Award is given for a lifetime achievement of acting, not one particular role. The 2015 awards recognized Bob Balaban, Bruce McGill, David Paymer,, and CCH Pounder. Last year’s installment honored Conchata Ferrell, Stephen Tobolowsky, Steve Buscemi, Jonathan Banks and Gary Cole, with Fred Willard hosting the first two events.
The Carney Awards town hall
I had a chance to screen a cut of the show and it is refreshingly smart, warm and entertaining. Devoid of the usual Award show clichés in its format, it’s a loose and loving celebration that incorporates great stories, audience interaction via a unique Townhall held on stage with all of the recipients, and of course the now famous “Name That Character Actor” segment hosted by show emcee Bergeron.
And when Carney’s iconic hat that he wore as Ed Norton on The Honeymooners more than 60 years ago is lowered from the rafters to the strains of 2001: a Space Odyssey, you know you’re in for something special. Just as when Carney’s son delivers a poignant speech about his dad. The show doesn’t just boast lots of laughs, but lots of heart, soul and class, as well.
Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider (left) with 2016 Carney Award recipient, Steve Buscemi.
What these three men are doing is a testament not just to the talents of Art Carney and the legacies of many fine actors, but also to the spirit of doing things differently, which is not easy to accomplish in Hollywood. By breaking the mold and creating their own awards show paradigm, these producers have achieved something quite special: they’ve taken a format I’m sure thought by many to be stubborn and stale and reinvented it in a way that’s fresh and engaging. You’ll notice that when the recipients speak they seem genuine and truly touched to be in that moment. That’s because of the quality of the show delivered by Katz, Katz and Duran.
I can’t wait to see how the Carney Awards evolves and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the other more established awards shows start looking at the Carneys for some inspiration and enlightenment.
All because of a labor of love that started with a brotherly guessing game.
2017 Carney Award winner William H. Macy