I just got back from the 2008 CNN Heroes Awards taping at the Kodak Theatre, hosted by Anderson Cooper. The ceremony honored 10 ordinary people from around the world who have done extraordinary things to change this world for the better.
Those Honored:
Liz McCartney was given the award for 2008 CNN Hero of the Year. Liz has done everything I wish that I can someday do and more for those affected in Katrina. She has influenced 9,000 people to volunteer their time to help rebuild homes – lives.
While all of the individual journeys of these heroes have impacted me, Maria Ruiz’s speech made me shed a tear and Carolyn Leroy’s story made me shed a few tears. I am not one to shed tears lightly fyi.
I will not tell you all about these heroes because I want you to watch this broadcast when it airs on Thanksgiving night and read more about these heroes here.
I ended up sitting 10 rows behind Taylor Swift. Yes, I counted. Not bad for my first awards show. Anyway, the show started and the first presenter was Kate Beckinsale. The next presenter was Terrence Howard and I could not even tell you one word he said because I was so caught up in the fact that he was right in front of me.
Then, Selena Gomez presented, Cameron Diaz presented, and then a special musical guest performed. While I will not say who performed, I died and went to heaven and it was beautiful. Then, John Krasinski presented an award and I did not know that he was going to be there so I was more than delighted to see him again and more up close this time. The first time was at the Emmys red carpet earlier this year.
Anyway, Lucy Liu and Meg Ryan presented awards and then Alicia Keys performed “Superwoman” with a projection in the background of the world’s superwomen including Anne Frank and Maya Angelou. The last three presenters were Forest Whitaker, Salma Hayek, and Jessica Biel.
After the initial 10 awards were given out, High Jackman acknowledged six recipients honored by People Magazine this year as Heroes Among Us. Among those recipients was Elizabeth Smart. I was more than overjoyed to see her, as I have been following her journey since she was missing.
The show came to a close with John Legend performing “If You’re Out There” from his new album, “Evolver” with a choir behind him. All of the performances were amazing. All of the presenters did a great job. Only one award to be presented had to be shot again because of bad timing. The editing room did such a fabulous job showing us the journeys of these 10 heroes in such a short amount of time each. I am hoping that everyone can watch this when it airs because every single one of these heroes will make an impact on your life.
CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute airs Thanksgiving at 9 p.m. ET/PT.