Prism Awards spotlight addiction, mental health

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No industry likes to give itself accolades more than Hollywood, but an award ceremony last night was a little different. The Prism Awards honored actors, television shows and movies that honestly portray depictions of mental health issues and addiction, plus tobacco, drug and alcohol use.

Among the winners were Jeff Bridges and Maggie Gyllenhaal, stars of the film ‘Crazy Heart,’ Hector Elizondo and Tony Shalhoub for the TV show ‘Monk,’ and the film ‘The Soloist.’ Television shows singled out included ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘The Celebrity Apprentice.’ You can read more about the winners in the Envelope. The awards are produced by the Entertainment Industries Council Inc. in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the FX Network. The awards took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

‘The Prism Awards recognizes and applauds the remarkable efforts that have been contributed by our creative community,’ said EIC’s President and Chief Executive Brian Dyak, in a news release. ‘We salute those in the entertainment industry that promote informational truths in their work to improve the lives of the audiences they entertain. Through accurate character portrayals and inspired storytelling, our industry reinforces the importance of those individuals within the care giving and health fields.’

Considering how often Hollywood is criticized for its portrayal of issues such as substance abuse and mental health, no doubt the celebs, producers, etc. welcomed this bit of good publicity.

-- Jeannine Stein