This year's gala theme marks a new direction for the Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation's fundraising efforts. "In the past, we have honored automotive icons who have improved our lives through motorsports and industry innovation," says Petersen Automotive Museum Chairman of the Board, Steve Young. "We felt it was time to recognize those who have used the gift of humor to promote the enjoyment of the automobile as a creative outlet, and the call to use it to explore the highways of America."
John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and Principle Creative Advisor for Walt Disney Imagineering will be awarded the Petersen Automotive Museum 2012 Automotive Visionary Award. This award salute's Mr. Lasseter's lifelong passion for the automobile and honors the laughter he has brought millions around the world, by celebrating the many ways the automobile provides freedom, personal expression and adventure.
John Lasseter
John Lasseter is a two-time Academy Award(r)-winning director and creatively oversees all films and associated projects from Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. Lasseter made his feature directorial debut in 1995 with "Toy Story," the first-ever feature-length computer-animated film and, since then, has gone on to direct "A Bug's Life," "Toy Story 2" and "Cars." He returned to the driver's seat in 2011, directing "Cars 2." While the movies "Tin Toy" and "Toy Story" have each earned Lasseter himself an Academy Award, movies created under Lasseter's supervision have also earned five Academy Awards(r) and an additional three nominations. Prior to the formation of Pixar in 1986, Lasseter was a member of the Computer Division of Lucasfilm Ltd., where he designed and animated "The Adventures of Andre and Wally B," the first-ever piece of character-based three-dimensional computer animation.
"The Petersen Museum has the same passion for cars that we at Pixar have for animation and our great friendship extends back to the early days of research for the first CARS movie. We are kindred spirits, and I'm honored both as a filmmaker and lifelong car lover to receive this award," said Lasseter.
Adam Carolla
Adam Carolla, Comedian, Best Selling Author, Radio, TV, and Podcast Host will receive the Petersen Automotive Museum 2012 Automotive Enthusiast Award in recognition of his many contributions to the promotion of the car as entertainment, through building, personalization and collecting.
Adam Carolla is one of the most versatile men in Hollywood, where he hosts The Adam Carolla Podcast, which holds the Guinness Book of World Records' "most downloaded podcast" with more than 5 million downloads per month. His success on the internet prompted Adam to launch an entire online network, ACE Broadcasting in February 2010, which produces many of iTunes' top podcast programming, including CarCast with Adam Carolla. Adam's other exploits include: co-host of the nationally syndicated radio and television shows called, Loveline, host of The Adam Carolla Show on CBS radio, the creator and star of several television shows such as Crank Yankers, The Man Show, Too Late With Adam Carolla, and The Car Show among others, as well as appearances on Celebrity Apprentice and Dancing With the Stars. Adam became a New York Times best-selling author when his book, In 50 Years We'll All Be Chicks stayed on the charts for ten weeks. His recently released, Not Taco Bell Material is also on the prestigious list.
Adam, normally not at a loss for words, had this to say, "I'm honored and excited to be around so many great car guys and so much free food."
"The Cars and Comedy Gala is open to the public and is the museum's biggest fundraiser of the year," said Young, "and promises to be a night full of fun for all. Attendees will have an intimate evening with legends from the automotive world, entertainment industry, politics and business -and even some surprise guests! This year's event will include a cocktail reception, a live auction, an elegantly catered dinner, and a lot of laughs. "
Individual tickets for the 2012 "Cars and Comedy Gala" are available in advance for $350 a person. For Gala tickets and information, go to www.petersen.org or call (323) 964-6355.