The Muslim Public Affairs Council will present its 17th annual Media Awards to film producer Omar Amanat, executive producer of "The Visitor" and "Darfur Now", and the groundbreaking CW Network sitcom "Aliens in America". The gala dinner, which honors "voices of courage and conscience" in the entertainment industry , will take place on Sunday, June 1st at the Disneyland Resort & Hotel in Anaheim, CA.

Purchase your tickets and get more information on sponsoring the Media Awards [8MB PDF file].

"We are thrilled to be able to recognize these talented and inspirational voices for bringing humanizing and multi-dimensional portrayals of Muslims to millions of television and film viewers," said MPAC Executive Director Salam Al-Marayati.

The gala dinner, a one of a kind event in the Muslim American community, draws over 600 Muslim Americans, entertainment industry executives, public officials as well as civic and interfaith leaders to celebrate achievements in bridging the arts with activism and social change.

In an effort to promote positive and accurate portrayals of Islam and Muslims, MPAC each year recognizes voices of courage and conscience who are the best in their field. Since 1991, MPAC has honored artists, actors, authors, and activists for their artistic contributions to promoting diversity and inspiring action. Past recipients include "Little Mosque on the Prairie", "An Inconvenient Truth", "Syriana", "Paradise Now", South Asian rock band "Junoon" founder Salman Ahmad, Morgan Spurlock for the "30 Days" episode "Muslims and America", the Allah Made Me Funny Muslim Comedy Tour, director Spike Lee, author Karen Armstrong, NBA star Hakeem Olajuwan, Yusuf Islam and the producers of VH1's "Behind the Music," Michael Moore, and Alec Baldwin.

Launched last spring, MPAC's Hollywood Bureau provides expertise and consultation to television networks and film studios in order to enhance accuracy and sensitivity of portrayals related to Islam, Muslims and related issues.

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans.