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SALT LAKE CITY — The star-studded 2011 Entertainment and Choice Awards show and fundraiser took place in downtown Salt Lake City Friday night.
Roughly 1,200 people were in attendance at what's being billed as a Hollywood awards show in Utah.
The awards were created to spotlight companies and individuals who have contributed to Utah's entertainment and business industries. Nominees came from film, television, radio, the community and sports.
Just before the show began, KSL News spoke with recording artist David Archuleta, singer/songwriter and actress Debbie Gibson, and actor Daniel Bernhard.
"It's really nice to be able to come home and to be able to be a part of this just because it's something that is recognizing local talent," Archuleta said. "I just love getting to support my hometown."
"In getting to know the Osmonds and getting to know more about Utah, it really is one of the entertainment capitols," Gibson said, "and I felt like it was time that Hollywood came to Utah to pay tribute."
Bernhardt, who is hosting the show, said, "They called me up and they said, ‘Hey, Daniel, George Clooney wasn't available, Hugh Jackman wasn't available.' So, they said, ‘You're the next in line. Would you like to do it?' And I said, ‘Yes!' I just thought it's a great idea. Why not honor people? Let's have a party! Let's have a good time!"
Some of the proceeds from the dinner will go to Neuroworx, a medical foundation dedicated to research of spinal cord injuries.
Email: cmikita@ksl.com
