Performance awards are presented to those actors who displayed unparalleled authenticity in their portrayals of characters in productions related to mental health and/or substance use issues.

The Entertainment Industries Council, Inc. (EIC) has announced winners for several of its performance awards at the upcoming 16th Annual PRISM Awards. Actors Stana Katic and Jon Huertas of ABC’s Castle have been selected to receive Performance in a Drama Episode honors. Caterina Scorsone of ABC’s Private Practice will be presented with Female Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline, and Craig T. Nelson of NBC’s Parenthood will be honored with Male Performance in a Drama Multi-Episode Storyline. The announcement was made by EIC President & CEO Brian Dyak.

Performance awards are presented to those actors who displayed unparalleled authenticity in their portrayals of characters in productions related to mental health and/or substance use issues including alcohol use, illegal drug use, prescription drug use, depression, suicide, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, bipolar, and other related topics. The PRISM Awards honor television and film productions and performances that accurately depict drug, alcohol and tobacco use and addiction, as well as mental health issues in entertainment productions. The awards will be presented on April 19, 2012 at a ceremony in Beverly Hills.

Craig T. Nelson’s role as Zeek Braverman, in NBC’s Parenthood, tackles the difficulties of adjusting to and helping to raise a grandson with Asperger’s Syndrome. Nelson brings his character’s unique nature to life, demonstrating how a person transforms once they accept and develop an understanding and respect for a special needs child. His portrayal of a parent’s love for his children and the mental and emotional toll these life experiences take on a family earned him his PRISM Award.

Caterina Scorsone portrayed the challenges and unique situations that result from her character’s prescription drug and alcohol addiction, and ultimate recovery. The true-to-life circumstances Private Practice’s Amelia Shepherd finds herself in help bring home the idea that addiction can be overcome, however challenging it may seem. Although Amelia is a brilliant doctor, she struggles with her addiction. Throughout this past year Scorsone accurately depicted the consequences of misuse of prescription drugs and alcohol. Scorsone’s work, from drug-fueled affair to facing her colleagues as they attempt an intervention, has been called “captivating” and “riveting.”

Stana Katic and Jon Huertas share the performance award in the drama series category. Katic, in her role on Castle as NYPD detective Kate Beckett, portrays her character suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after being shot by a sniper while on the job. Katic demonstrates the difficulties of living with PTSD while trying to lead a normal, functional life. She imparts an emotional depiction of a woman with the strength and will to move on with the help of her support system.

Huertas’ character on the series, NYPD homicide detective Javier Esposito, relates to Beckett’s trauma as someone who experienced his own difficulties while serving in the Iraq War. He demonstrates the pivotal role of a support system for someone suffering from PTSD, using unorthodox, yet effective, methods to help his colleague.

Winners in the TV, film and music production categories will be announced at the April 19th ceremony. For more information on the PRISM Awards and a complete list of nominees, please visit http://www.prismawards.com.

About Entertainment Industries Council

EIC, a non-profit organization, was founded in 1983 by leaders of the entertainment industry to bring the power and influence of the industry to bear on communication about health and social issues. The organization is considered to be the chief pioneer of entertainment outreach and one of the premiere success stories in the field of entertainment education. EIC provides information resources for entertainment creators through innovative and time-proven services and methods of "encouraging the art of making a difference" from within the entertainment industry. EIC produces the simulcast national television special PRISM Awards Showcase which addresses accurate portrayals of prevention, treatment and recovery from drug, alcohol and tobacco use, and mental health concerns. The organization also produces the S.E.T Awards, honoring positive and non-stereotypical portrayals of science, engineering and technology.

EIC also addresses issues such as diabetes, ADHD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, foster care, women's health, firearm safety and injury prevention, sun safety and skin cancer prevention, human trafficking, terrorism and homeland security, eating disorders and obesity, seat belt use and traffic safety, and HIV/AIDS prevention. The organization has also launched an initiative to increase the public profile and interest in science, engineering and technology. EIC’s web site is http://www.eiconline.org. The PRISM Awards web site is http://www.prismawards.com.

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