SAG-AFTRA Honors Member Selma Blair, Meet the Biz Workshop Creator

Actor Selma Blair was the SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award honoree at the 43rd Media Access Awards, presented by nonprofit disability organization Easterseals on Nov. 17. A longtime union member, Blair has been vocal in recent years about her experiences with multiple sclerosis, most notably in the award-winning documentary Introducing Selma Blair (2021). CODA (2021) actor Troy Kotsur, last year’s recipient, presented the award to Blair. 

In her acceptance speech, Blair thanked the union, the SAG-AFTRA National Performers with Disabilities Committee and key members of the community. 

“When my own challenges presented themselves through speaking and movement with my MS diagnosis, I was emboldened to be myself,” said Blair. “If I can, in any way, through my disability, help other people find their own power, confidence and individuality … I’m so grateful [to be able to do so].”

Acting coach and Meet the Biz creator David Zimmerman received the SAG-AFTRA Disability Awareness Award. Meet the Biz, a Los Angeles-based acting workshop series, is dedicated to developing educational opportunities and resources that help disabled and non-disabled actors connect with other entertainment industry professionals. SAG-AFTRA member, disabilities advocate and close friend Geri Jewell presented Zimmerman with his award. 

“When I created Meet the Biz several years ago, I wanted to, and did, bring in all actors to work together, create with one another, and get the auditions and jobs. This award means inclusion and acceptance of others and self; it means all of us,” said Zimmerman in his acceptance speech.

The Media Access Awards are an annual ceremony that recognizes and celebrates individuals, organizations and productions that help to redefine the experiences of people with disabilities and advance their employment industrywide. SAG-AFTRA, the Producers Guild of America, the Casting Society of America, the Writers Guild of America West and the Internet Movie Database are among those who support the event each year. 

Hosting this year’s ceremony was Eternals actor and 2020 SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award recipient Lauren Ridloff, with appearances from performers such as Danielle Perez, Jimmy Kimmel and Eva Longoria. 

Award recipients are chosen by the SAG-AFTRA National Honors and Tributes Committee with input from the SAG-AFTRA National Performers with Disabilities Committee. The SAG-AFTRA Harold Russell Award, named after the late award-winning performer and pioneering disabilities advocate, recognizes individuals who have substantially contributed to furthering awareness of the experiences of people with disabilities in the media. The SAG-AFTRA Disability Awareness Award recognizes organizations that focus on the needs of persons with disabilities. This year, the awards were aired on extratv.com/mediaaccessawards.

All photos courtesy of Easterseals.