Hollywood honours Forest Whitaker with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence

 

Actors, Hollywood big-shots and industry bigwigs took time out from their busy awards season calendar to honour one of their own, as Forest Whitaker received the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Filmmaking.
On Sunday, well-wishers gathered at the Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara, California, for a black-tie dinner to celebrate the Oscar winner, who was feted for his life's work, both in front of and behind the camera, as well as his humanitarian efforts. 
'Forest Whitaker is an exceptional man and actor. His commitment to human causes, his passion for what is right, and his dedication to his craft are inspirational and at my age, inspiration is rare,' said Kirk Douglas of the 52-year-old .

Whitaker's body of work includes 1982's Fast Times At Ridgemont High, 1986's The Color of Money, 1987's Good Morning, Vietnam, 1992's The Crying Game, 2002's Panic Room and 2006's The Last King of Scotland, for which he won the Academy Award.
His recent turn in 2013's The Butler has been garnering attention on the awards circuit, as the actor nabbed a SAG nomination for Best Actor for his turn as Cecil Gaines.
He attended the event with his wife Keisha Nash Whitaker. While the star wore an all-black suit with a glimmering lapels and a slight sheen, his wife was clad in an Asian-inspired gown for the glamorous event.
The ensemble featured an intricate black-line floral design on the bodice and full skirt of the dress. With cap sleeves and an empire cut, the unusual dress gave Mrs. Whitaker a unique look that captured the sophistication and class of the event.

Keisha wore red lipstick and pulled her hair back to show off her profile.
Michael B. Jordan attended the star-studded event in support of the older actor. The 26-year-old up-and-comer, whose performance in Fruitvale Station turned heads this year, wore a traditional  tuxedo to the gala.

Sponsored by Moet & Chandon, The Santa Barbara International Film Festival's Kirk Douglas Award is bestowed on filmmakers who have contributed to the art of cinema.
Past recipients include Robert DeNiro, son Michael Douglas, Harrison Ford, Quentin Tarantino and John Travolta.