Opal Awards Honor Shirley Jones Monday, October 12, 2009

Women In Film and Media Pittsburgh will host their third annual Opal Awards to be held on Monday, October 12, 2009 at Point Park University in Lawrence Hall located at 201 Wood Street. This year's awards ceremony will honor Shirley Jones, Liz Richards and Tonia Caruso.

Women In Film and Media of Pittsburgh is dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, video and other screen based media. With an emphasis on education, they serve their members and the community by providing access to opportunities in the industry and working with other non-profits dedicated to helping women and children.

The Opal Awards 2009 will honor Shirley Jones star of stage and screen who is coming to Pittsburgh for a Heinz Hall performance. Ms. Jones who was born in Smithton, PA and resided in Charleroi won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Elmer Gantry. She began her career on Broadway in the chorus of South Pacific and was offered the part of Laurie in "Oklahoma". She starred in the television program "The Partridge Family" and went on to garner roles in "Days of Our Lives", "The Drew Carey Show", "Law and Order", and hundreds of films and television appearances. Her singing career includes starring roles in "Oklahoma", "The Music Man", "Carousel" and countless television, Broadway and stage performances.

The Opals will also honor Liz Richards, former Women In Film and Media Board member and department head of the Digital Arts Department at Point Park University; Tonia Caruso of WQED and Comcast Local Edition; and scholarship winners Cait Murray and Shannon Hager.