A very good detailing of the Best of the South Gala for the Oxford American by ArkTimes reporter Jaman Matthews. 

Rock Candy: Report from the Oxford American gala: Charles Portis really doesn’t like having his picture made

Here’s some photos from the Oxford American Best of the South Gala:

Big wide shot of attendees of the Oxford American Gala in the lobby of the historic and exquisite Capitol Hotel. (above)

Actors Lisa McKinnon and Lisa Blount stand in front of the Best of the South Awards Gala backdrop and pose for a picture. McKinnon makes a face before this picture is taken realizing he’s seen this photographer before.

Oxford American publisher Warwick Sabin gets comfy with acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman. What’s with those gloves? Is that a Driving Miss Daisy joke?

The Idol star staring off at something, probably his wife. Allen’s brother gives him a look of “I could have won American Idol.”

Kris Allen gives the look right back. Or American Idol Gives Back.

The most densest area of Celebrity in the lobby during the night. Wait, how’d Warwick sneak in there? Kidding, Warwick is my celebrity. Joey Lauren Adams, Mary Steenburgen, Kris Allen, and Warwick Sabin.

One of the best living actors, recently Oscar nominated for his role as Nelson Mandela in Invictus, Morgan Freeman, steps up to me to shake my hand. Before he does I say the lamest celebrity meet and greet line: “You look so much taller in real life.” Ahh it’s better than asking what’s the deal with the earring.” 

(Photos taken by Levi Agee—-Video to come soon—-Subscribe/Follow/Comment)

You can see the full story on Today’s THV website here. I got the message earlier today from the incomparable Warwick Sabin about the event which has been in development for a while now. Now it is confirmed as the magazine’s “first-ever Best of the South Gala in Little Rock on Saturday, April 3, 2010.” Freeman will accept The Oxford American’s inaugural award for Outstanding Contributions to Southern Culture.

“We are very pleased that Morgan Freeman will be the first recipient of this award, which we hope will create a long-standing pantheon of great Southern cultural figures,” said Warwick Sabin, the publisher of The Oxford American. “He was our first choice for this recognition, not only because of his remarkable career and accomplishments, but because he has remained involved with his community in Mississippi and has done so much to improve it.”

The press release cites Freeman’s roles in films such as Invictus, Batman, Million Dollar Baby and of course The Shawshank Redemption but his work on the recent documentary Prom Night in Mississippi deserves an award all by itself.

More information at http://www.oxfordamerican.org