March 15, 2010

Charles Portis to Accept Literary Award at The Oxford American's First-Ever Best of the South Gala

Legendary writer Charles Portis will accept The Oxford American's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Southern Literature at the magazine's inaugural Best of the South Gala in Little Rock on Saturday, April 3, 2010.

The recognition also includes a cash prize that has increased to $10,000.

"Mr. Portis should be the most popular writer in America," said Marc Smirnoff, the founder and editor of The Oxford American.  "His novels are profoundly funny, profoundly well written, and full of heart and truth."

The Oxford American's Award for Lifetime Achievement in Southern Literature was first bestowed in 2006 to the novelist Donald Harington, who recently passed away.

Portis is best known for his novel True Grit, which was adapted for a feature film in 1969.  It was a box-office hit, and it starred John Wayne, who won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn.

The Coen Brothers are currently producing another film version of True Grit, and Rooster Cogburn will be played by Jeff Bridges, who just won this year's Academy Award for Best Actor.

"Mr. Portis' novels have a fanatical cult following," Smirnoff said.  "You can't swing a cat in a room full of writers without knocking down a few afficionados.  We hope this award helps extend the cat's reach."

Portis is a native of El Dorado, Arkansas who currently lives in Little Rock.  He has been a contributing writer for The Oxford American, and he is the author of five books.  His first novel, Norwood, also was adapted for the silver screen, with Glen Campbell in the lead role.  His other novels include Dog of the South (a cult classic), Gringos, and Masters of Atlantis.

The Oxford American's Best of the South Gala will take place on Saturday, April 3, at the Capital Hotel in Little Rock, and tickets are sold out.  The evening will include a pre-event VIP reception, a cocktail reception, a four-course dinner, and a special awards program featuring celebrity entertainment.  The food will be curated by John T. Edge (the James Beard award-winning expert on Southern cuisine), and prepared by Lee Richardson, the Capital Hotel's executive chef.

"We envision a lively and fun event that reflects the character and personality of The Oxford American, highlighting music, literature, food, art, and other creative expressions of Southern culture," Sabin said.  "It will be a sophisticated and entertaining affair anchored by celebrity presenters."

Cindy and Chip Murphy are chairing the awards gala, which will raise money to support the operations of the magazine, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  Glazer's is the gala wine and spirits sponsor.

More details about the event are available at http://gala.oxfordamerican.org.