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32nd HUMANITAS Prize Winners Announced

MISS SPIDERS SUNNY PATCH FRIENDS writers Alice Prodanou, Michael Stokes and Steven Sullivan won the $25,000 HUMANITAS Prize for Children's Animation today, June 28, 2006, during a luncheon ceremony at the Universal Hilton Hotel, in Universal City, California. Eleven winning writers, representing a diverse slate of work, won these prestigious prizes and $145,000 were awarded in eight categories for films and television shows that "entertain and enrich the viewing public."

HBO FILMS President, Colin Callender, received the Kieser Award for his vision as an executive, his leadership in the industry and for his ability to create an environment where filmmakers can succeed. The Kieser Award is named after producer and priest Fr. Ellwood Bud Kieser, the founder of the HUMANITAS Prize.

The 32nd HUMANITAS Prize winners are:

Feature Film Category ($25,000)CRASH Written by: Paul Haggis & Bobby Moresco (Lions Gate Films) A 36-hour period in the diverse metropolis of post-Sept. 11 Los Angeles is the theme of this unflinching drama that challenges audiences to confront their prejudices. Cited for its call to reach out with respect and compassion to all of our brothers and sisters.

90 Minute Category ($25,000)THE GIRL IN THE CAFÉ Written by: Richard Curtis (HBO) The story of a hard-working, shy civil servant Lawrence, and his life-changing relationship with the mysterious girl he meets in a café opposite Downing Street. Cited for the clarion call to universal concern.

Sundance Feature Film Category ($10,000)QUINCEANERA Written by: Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland (Sony Classics) As Magdelenas 50th birthday approaches, her life is consumed by thoughts of her boyfriend, her Quinceañera dress, and the Hummer limo she hopes will show up on her special day. Life seems so simple in her Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, until fate delivers an unwelcome surprise. Cited for its enlightened view of living in a multi-cultural world."

60 Minute Category ($15,000)HOUSE: "Three Stories" Written by: David Shore (FOX) Dr. House gives the med students a class theyll never forget as he weaves the stories of three patients who all present similar symptoms. Cited for its poignant probe into the pain and confusion that comes when someone we love disappoints us.

30 Minute Category ($10,000)MY NAME IS EARL: "Pilot Episode" Written by: Greg Garcia (NBC) Charismatic smalltime crook Earl J. Hickey wins $100,000 in the lottery and then is immediately hit by a car. Cited for its light hearted portrayal of how we can right our wrongs.

Children's Animation Category ($25,000)MISS SPIDERS SUNNY PATCH FRIENDS: "A Froggy Day in Sunny Patch" Written by: Alice Prodanou, Michael Stokes, Steven Sullivan (Nick, Jr.) The Spider kids befriend a loveable, non-conformist frog named Felix, but keep their friendship under the radar, to protect Felix from Spiderus and his corps of bumbling anti-frog vigilantes. Cited for its whimsical portrayal of the importance of friendships.

Children's Live Action Category ($25,000)EDGE OF AMERICA Written by: Willy Holtzman (Showtime) Inspired by true events the story of Kenny Williams, an African-American from Texas, who comes to teach at the Three Nations Reservation High School in Utah. Cited for showing that caring and compassionate adults can make a difference.

Colin Marshall, a graduate student at Columbia University, was named the recipient of the 2006 David and Lynn Angell HUMANITAS Comedy Fellowship. Marshall received a $10,000 stipend at the luncheon. His winning comedy spec script was an episode of MY NAME IS EARL.

Since its inception in 1974, the HUMANITAS Prize has presented more than 240 prizes and dispersed more than $2.5 million in prize money to television and motion picture writers whose work honestly explores the complexities of the human experience and sheds light on the positive values of life. The HUMANITAS Prize holds nine Master Writers Workshops every year, presented by today's leading writers. For more information please visit the website at www.humanitasprize.org.