George Stevens Jr.; “My Place in the Sun”

Recognizing an extraordinary creative legacy, we look forward to the opportunity to host 15-time Emmy winner, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Founding Director of the American Film Institute, George Stevens, Jr. for a personal look at his fascinating memoir, My Place in the Sun. While it’s not the Hollywood one he’s used to, Stevens will take the stage to share his lifelong passion for advancing the art of American film, enlightening audiences and shining a spotlight on notable figures who inspire us. Moderated by veteran Journalist Maura Hogan, join us for an insightful glimpse into Hollywood’s Golden Age plus an insider’s account of Washington spanning six decades brings new dimension to an already sparkling era of American history and culture.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to purchase one or more signed copies, please visit Buxton Books here.

About the Book

The son of a celebrated Hollywood director emerges from his father’s shadow to claim his own place as a visionary force in American culture. George Stevens, Jr. tells an intimate and moving tale of his relationship with his Oscar-winning father and his own distinguished career in Hollywood and Washington. Stevens provides a rare look at a pioneering American family spanning five generations in entertainment: from the San Francisco stage in the 19th century to silent screen comedies, Academy Award-winning films, Emmy Award-winning television programs and a Broadway play in the 21st century. He reveals the private side of the dazzling array of American presidents, first ladies, media moguls, and luminaries who cross his path, including Elizabeth Taylor, Sidney Poitier, the Kennedys, Yo-Yo Ma, Cary Grant, James Dean, Bruce Springsteen, Barack and Michelle Obama, and many more. Fascinating people, priceless stories and a behind-the-scenes view of some of America’s major cultural and political events grace this riveting memoir.

About the Author

George Stevens, Jr. is a writer, director, producer, playwright, author, and champion of American film. He has achieved an extraordinary creative legacy spanning more than 60 years, encompassing enduring cinematic and artistic productions that have enlightened audiences worldwide, and enriched the nation’s cultural heritage. Stevens has earned 15 Emmys; two Peabody Awards for Meritorious Service to Broadcasting; the Humanitas Prize; 8 awards from the Writers Guild of America; National Board of Review’s William K. Everson Award for contributions to film history; the Paul Selvin Award for writing that embodies civil rights and liberties; the 2009 Spirit of Anne Frank Award for work upholding Frank’s ideals of hope, justice, and equality; and the Legion d’honneur presented by the Government of the Republic of France. In 1997 Stevens received an Honorary Life Achievement Award from The American Film Institute and in 2012 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented him with an Honorary Oscar for “extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement.” Stevens returned to public service as Co-chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities from 2009 to 2016 following his appointment by President Obama, advising on cultural issues, and leading the first American cultural delegation to Cuba. Stevens resides in Washington, D.C. For more information visit: www.georgestevensjr.com

About Maura Hogan

Maura Hogan is an arts and culture writer, arts and culture editor at Charleston City Paper, and the founder of Culture South, a Substack exploring creativity and culture in the South. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Gourmet, Garden & Gun, and many Charleston publications, among them The Post and Courier, where she was arts critic and columnist. Maura has worked in staff positions in the creative services and marketing departments of The New Yorker, as a promotion director, as well as The New York Times, Vanity Fair and Gourmet. She also worked at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and as a consultant for the Brooklyn Philharmonic. She has won numerous awards, among them South Carolina Press Association’s recognition twice for Best Column, and twice for Review Portfolio; the national Alternative Newsmedia first place for her review portfolio on behalf of Charleston City Paper.

Raised in Charleston, she earned a B.A. in English from the College of Charleston and an M. Phil in creative writing from Trinity College Dublin.