On Thursday, April 12, Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival announced the winners of the 43rd Hugo Awards for Excellence in Television during the ceremony at the Chicago Cultural Center.


An original component of the annual Chicago International Film Festival, The Hugos celebrate individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the medium. Taking place in the sold-out Claudia Cassidy Theater, the evening was emceed by Bob Sirott, Anchor of NBC5 News, with awards being presented to talented artists who created internationally acclaimed television commercials and television productions.

During the ceremony, television commercial production company MJZ was honored with the Commitment to Excellence Award. Known for its inventive visual style and clever content, MJZ has won more awards internationally than any company over the past five years. The Commitment to Excellence Award was also presented to Chicago’s own Towers Productions, Inc. For 18 years they have produced celebrated works for both domestic and international networks including A&E, CNN, The History Channel, Lifetime, NBC and PBS.


Finalists for the television commercial honors were aired on WTTW11’s award-winning program Image Union. Over 100,000 viewers watched the program. Decided by an online public vote, the Audience Choice Award was given to DRAFTFCB's “Babysitter.” DRAFTFCB was also honored with the Gold Hugo for Best Commercial for the Dow Chemical Company's “Human Element” commercial. Leo Burnett's "Altoids Sours Challenge" won the Gold Hugo for Best Commercial Campaign.


The Emmy-winning HBO miniseries Elizabeth I, took home the Gold Hugo for Best Television Production. The film features a remarkable performance by Helen Mirren and follows the love life of the legendary Queen Elizabeth I during her later years.

“We are honored to recognize outstanding television contributors like MJZ and Towers Productions along with innovative television commercials and productions in this year’s competition," said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of Cinema/Chicago. "The night was a true collection of the best in the business."
For the complete list of winners of the Hugos Awards For Television, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.



WINNERS PRESENTED AT THE 2007 HUGO TELEVISION AWARDS NIGHT

TELEVISION COMMERCIALS

Commitment to Excellence Award
MJZ

Best Television Commercial
The Human Element
Draftfcb
Gold Hugo

Commercial Campaign
Altoids Sours Challenge
Leo Burnett
Gold Hugo

Audience Choice Award
Babysitter
Draftfcb



Darts
Category: Dot Com Companies
Cramer-Krasselt
Silver Hugo


Elephant
Category: Alcoholic Beverage
Foreignfilms
Silver Hugo

Spot
Category: Special Achievement: Concept
DDB Chicago
Silver Hugo

Answering Machine
Category: Airline
T:M Advertising
Gold Plaque

Fits You
Category: Special Achievement: Animation
global mechanic
Gold Plaque

Hazmat

Category: Special Achievement: Special Effects
Optimus
Gold Plaque

Kid
Category: Special Achievement: Editing
the Whitehouse
Gold Plaque

Crayola "Caravan"
Category: Recreational Equipment / Toys
Rhythm + Hues
Silver Plaque

Hazmat
Category: Appliances / Household Furnishings
The Ungar Group
Silver Plaque

Snapple - Tea Fields
Category: Beverage
TWC
Silver Plaque



TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS
Commitment to Excellence Award
Towers Productions

Best Television Production
Elizabeth I
HBO
Gold Hugo


Last Best Hope
Category: Documentary: History / Biography
Rendez-Vous Film LLC
Silver Hugo

The Magic Tree: Devourers of Books
Category: Children’s Series
TVP SA
Silver Hugo

Men With the Mountain on Their Shoulders
Category: Documentary: Arts / Humanities
Phoenix Satellite Television Co. Ltd.
Silver Hugo

alt.news 26:46
Category: Student Produced Series
alt.news 26:46
Silver Plaque

Beauty Rises: Four Lives in the Arts
Category: Documentary: Arts / Humanities
WTTW
Silver Plaque

China Blue
Category: Documentary: Social / Political
Bullfrog Films
Silver Plaque

Losskot
Category: News Magazine Series
TVP SA
Silver Plaque

For the complete list of winners of the Hugos Awards For Television, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.