It was all about achievement and awards at The Stella Adler Studio of Acting’s 4th annual Stella by Starlight gala benefit at Cipriani 23rd Street. Martin Sheen graciously accepted the Marlon Brando Award for a life committed to social activism and excellence in film. His former “first lady” Stockard Channing presented it to him, noting he’s one of the greatest actors of our time. Ted Hartley bestowed Pamela Newman with the Harold Clurman Spirit Award for courageous contribution to the culture of NYC, and New York Post columnist Liz Smith was honored with the Harold Clurman Lifetime Achievement Award from HBO’s Sheila Nevins for a lifelong commitment to the ennoblement of humanity.

The Studio also venerated the late Roy Scheider, by presenting his wife Brenda Siemer Scheider and son Christian Scheider with the Group Theatre Award, recognizing the All That Jazz and Jaws actor for his prolific achievement in theater. The evening marked the inauguration of the
Roy Scheider Scholarship Endowment Fund, for which Steven Spielberg pledged a challenge grant of $50,000. The program will provide scholarships for inner-city, public school students to study at the Stella Adler Studio.

Other notable guests in attendance included: Tommy Tune, Kathleen Turner (currently directing the revival of The Roundabout Theatre Company’s, Crimes of the Heart, Laura Linney, Jack O’Brien, Holland Taylor, Sidney Lumet, and Dina Merrill.