Realistic Depictions of Mental Illness Win Awards for Films, TV Shows

Abstract

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article Community NewsFull AccessRealistic Depictions of Mental Illness Win Awards for Films, TV ShowsEve BenderEve BenderSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:15 Jul 2011https://doi.org/10.1176/pn.46.14.psychnews_46_14_4_2AbstractPopular TV series such as "Mad Men," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Rescue Me" were recognized for raising viewers' awareness about mental health and substance abuse at the 15th annual PRISM Awards ceremony, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles in April. Major motion pictures earning plaudits this year included "Black Swan" and "The Fighter."The PRISM Awards are presented annually to honor actors, motion pictures, television shows, and music that accurately portray various aspects of substance abuse and other mental health issues, including treatment and recovery. The Entertainment Industries Council collaborates with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the FX television network to hold the awards ceremony each year. "Tonight we honor and highlight the highest level of commitment to depicting true human emotion, struggle, bravery, and resilience in the face of mental illness and substance abuse," said SAMHSA Administrator Pamela Hyde, J.D., at the ceremony. "It is encouraging to see more and more productions portray the triumph of treatment and recovery with accuracy and sensitivity." Winners this year included Fox Searchlight Pictures' "Black Swan," which received the top award in the Feature Film–Mental Health Category, and Paramount Pictures' "The Fighter" in the Feature Film–Substance Use category. In the television categories, AMC's "Mad Men" was awarded in the Drama Series Episode–Substance Use category; "Grey's Anatomy" for Drama Series Episode–Mental Health; "Nurse Jackie" and "Rescue Me" for Drama Series Multi–Episode Storyline–Substance Use; "Parenthood" for Drama Series Multi–Episode Storyline–Mental Health; and "Drop Dead Diva" for Comedy Series Episode. Claire Danes earned a PRISM Award for her portrayal of Temple Grandin in an HBO biopic about a scientist with autism who injects humanity into the livestock industry through her facility designs.Photo courtesy of Entertainment Industries Council Inc.Individual performance winners included Peter Krause, Monica Potter, and Max Burkholder for "Parenthood"; KaDee Strickland for "Private Practice;" Tony Denison for "The Closer"; Aaron Paul for "Breaking Bad"; Halle Berry for "Frankie & Alice"; Toni Collette for "United States of Tara"; and Claire Danes for "Temple Grandin." Honorees are selected by an 80-person committee of entertainment-industry professionals and experts from the fields of medicine, mental health, and addictions. More information about the PRISM Awards, including a complete list of award winners, is posted at <www.prismawards.com/>. ISSUES NewArchived