Grimm - Season 6

During the 2017 Oregon Media Production Association awards show Monday night, the hosts paid tongue-in-cheek tribute to all the local actors who played character who died on NBC's filmed-in-Portland series, "Grimm."

(NBC)

Other entertainment awards shows may boast big, star-studded crowds, couture gowns and paparazzi. But the Oregon Media Production Association annual awards show doesn't take itself all that seriously.

Monday night's event, held at the Gerding Theater at the Armory, home of Portland Center Stage, felt more like an intimate gathering of friends and colleagues than a glitzy awards bash.

"My gosh, there are tens of you out there," said Jason Rouse, actor and writer-announcer for the variety and public radio show, "Live Wire Radio."

Rouse, and actor and writer Lori Ferraro, hosted, and kept the proceedings brisk, aided by such touches as an assistant dressed as Abraham Lincoln.

Even though the OMPA awards show wasn't taking itself too seriously, there were sincere moments, as when Rep. Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland, presented a "Legacy Award" to Vic Gilliam, for his support of the Oregon film and television industry, and its "good-paying, creative jobs," as Williamson said.

Gilliam, who recently announced his resignation from the Oregon legislature after his diagnosis with ALS, did not attend.

Representative Brian Clem, D-Salem, accepted the award on Gilliam's behalf.

The "Impact Award," recognizing significant and transformative accomplishments within the local media industry, was given to Travis Knight, president and CEO of Laika studio in Hillsboro.

Knight has won acclaim and awards for his work producing and directing the Oscar-nominated 2016 animated feature, "Kubo and the Two Strings." The son of Nike CEO Phil Knight missed the OMPA ceremony because he was in Los Angeles.

Knight is reportedly going to direct "Bumblebee," a live-action spinoff from the "Transformers" franchise, whose producers include Steven Spielberg.

Arianne Sutner, head of production at Laika and a producer of "Kubo and the Two Strings," was on hand to accept the Impact Award for Knight.

Sutner said Knight, "a self-described native son," was sorry he had to miss the event.

On a light-hearted note, Rouse and Ferraro joked about the Portland actors who "lost their lives these past few years on 'Grimm,'" which will air its final episode on March 31, after a six-season run on NBC.

During the Oregon Media Production Association 2017 awards show Monday, a joking award was given to the local actor who had logged the most "Grimm" auditions without being cast on the show.

OMPA is a nonprofit group whose members include professionals who work in the local film, TV and interactive media industry.

The Alliance of Professional Performers-Northwest, an organization of union and non-union performers, presented the actor awards, which recognized local performers for their work in commercials, film and TV.

Another joking award was presented to the local actor who had logged the most "Grimm" auditions without being cast. Marshall Bradley was the good-natured winner.

-- Kristi Turnquist



kturnquist@oregonian.com

503-221-8227

@Kristiturnquist