The Towerlight, October 6, 2003

tl20031006-000 "IN 11011,1111111 Baltimore's #1 College Paper - Published Twice-Weekly - www.thetowerlight.com Monday, 10/6/03 Retreat bridges cultural divides 5 TU tops East in accounting test 7 'Uncommon' cast bonds in show 15 Washington out of luck in 'Time' 16 Departments Opinion 2 News 5 Nation 6 Campus briefs 7 Arts 15 Sound Bites 17 Sports 24 In this corner 24 Athlete of the Week 20 Classifieds 18 Award-winning director honored for lifetime achievement; events recognize Levinson's work Molly Brouillette The Towerlight Towson University honored Oscar-winning filmmaker Barry Levinson for his many accomplishments in the field of film and television with the presentation of a Distinguished Lifetime Achievement award Saturday at the Historic Senator Theatre. The award was established in 1995 by the mass communication depart-ment, and expanded to include the electronic media and film depart-ment after it began in 2000, explained EMF department chair-man Barry Moore. � ""The awards have mostly been given to Baltimore residents or natives,"" Moore said. ""[The depart-ment] actually decided a year ago...that we wanted someone like [Levinson], someone very famous from Baltimore."" Levinson has spent much of his career recognizing his hometown for the eclectic, one of a kind city it is, Moore explained. ""We are very fortunate to be able to present this award,"" Moore said. ""It is truly an honor for Towson University."" In conjunction with the award, Levinson conducted a master class in Van Bokkelen Hall Saturday morn-ing, and his films ""Wag the Dog"" and ""Tin Men"" were screened in Van Bokkelen Hall Wednesday and Thursday. A private lunch was also held Saturday afternoon for Levinson and members of the Towson University faculty. During the master class, Levinson said much of what he saw on TV and in the movies in Baltimore is what inspired him to choose a career in the entertainment industry. ""[While growing up in Baltimore] I was fascinated by what I saw on TV and in movie theatres,"" Levinson said. ""I knew that it was a world I wanted to be a part of."" Despite having bit parts in ""Quiz Show"" and ""Rain Man,"" Levinson's role in films has been almost entirely behind the camera. Still, he began his career path with acting training. ""Although I started out in acting school,"" Levinson said, ""I prefer not to act. I am a bit appalled by the occult of celebrity. People in movies are becoming more important [to our society] than ever before. It's a little bit like being a brand name."" A special presentation of ""Diner,"" one of Levinson's first and most cele-brated films, followed Saturday's award ceremony. Prior to the presen-tation of the award, a reception across the street from the Senator at Belvedere Square featured diner-style hors d'ouevres and desserts. John Waters, director of such films as ""Hairspray"" and ""Crybaby,"" spoke of Levinson at the reception. See AWARD, page 14 Photos by Saul Stoogenka/The Towerbght President Robert Caret shakes the hand of director Barry Levinson after the unveiling of a star in front of the Senator Theatre Saturday. Today High 63 Low 44 Tuesday High 64 Low 45 Wednesday High 67 Low 48 Thursday High 71 Low 51 Friday High 67 Low 50 "