Kathy Griffin To Host AARP's 13th Annual Movies For Grownups® Awards

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Jan 31, 2014, 10:42 ET

Grammy Award-Winner and Two-Time Emmy® Award-Winning Actress and Comedienne to Honor Standout Films and Performances at Annual Gala in Los Angeles on February 10^th

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP is pleased to announce that newly-crowned Grammy Award-winner, two-time Emmy Award winner, and New York Times bestselling author Kathy Griffin will host the 13^th annual Movies for Grownups^® Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on February 10, 2014. Regarded for her rapid-fire wit and frank humor, Griffin will take the stage at the organization's annual gala, which honors outstanding writing, acting, and filmmaking with distinct relevance to the 50+ audience. Susan Sarandon, Bruce Dern, Steve McQueen, Lupita Nyong'o, Alfonso Cuaron, June Squibb, Naomi Watts, Lee Daniels, Will Forte, Melissa McCarthy, Wynona Ryder, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy are among those already confirmed to attend.

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"Having never acted like a grownup, I doubt I will start on February 10^th, however, I am thrilled and honored to host such a prestigious event put on by a great organization," said Griffin. "AARP's events have become as star-studded as the frickin' Academy Awards. When they asked me to host, of course I said yes! This will be a great event - count on it."

Earlier this month, AARP announced the 2013 Movies for Grownups award winners, including the epic historical drama 12 Years a Slave as 2013's Best Movie for Grownups; as well as Judi Dench for the second straight year as "Best Actress" for her outstanding portrayal of the title character in Philomena; and Bruce Dern as "Best Actor" for his haunting performance in Nebraska. AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards were started in 2002 by the editors of AARP The Magazine and this year's winners are featured in the publication's February/March issue, in homes February 1^st and available online now at www.aarp.org/movies.

"2013 was a blockbuster year for films showcasing 50+ talent and we're excited to recognize those that rose to the top as far as appealing to a more mature audience," said Myrna Blyth, editorial director for AARP Media. "It is clear that Hollywood has gotten the message that the 50+ audience is one that should not be ignored and they're starting to show that through the great films we're seeing."

For the first time ever, AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards will also work with AARP Foundation to raise awareness about the serious issue of hunger among older Americans. Tickets to this year's event are available for purchase to the general public, and proceeds will benefit the hunger solutions of AARP Foundation. During the awards gala, AARP Foundation will highlight its partnership with L.A. Kitchen as one example of how it works in the greater L.A. region to ensure that neither food nor people should ever go to waste.

Tickets to AARP's Movies for Grownups Awards gala are available for purchase by contacting Lauran Huff at Levy, Pazanti & Assoc. ([email protected] or (310) 201-5033 ext. 3). AARP's Movies for Grownups franchise now includes weekly film reviews, an award-winning radio program, an annual film festival, and year-round coverage in AARP The Magazine and online. Additional information is available online at www.aarp.org/movies.

About AARP The Magazine
With more than 35.2 million readers, AARP The Magazine is the world's largest circulation magazine and the definitive lifestyle publication for Americans 50+. AARP The Magazine delivers comprehensive content through health and fitness features, financial guidance, consumer interest information and tips, celebrity interviews, and book and movie reviews. AARP The Magazine was founded in 1958 and is published bimonthly in print and continually online. Learn more at www.aarpmagazine.org.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP