Charlize misses award in SA
2005-11-22 23:08
Cape Town - After 10 months, the National Press Club of South Africa has given up trying to get Charlize Theron to come home to personally receive the club's most-prestigious award.
Ben Rootman, chairperson of the press club, told of his disappointment about this on Tuesday.
Charlize was named in January as the 2004 Newsmaker of the Year, because she was first African to receive an Oscar for Best Actress - for her performance in Monster.
After months of negotiations with her publicity agent about a possible visit, no agreement could be reached.
Rootman said: "Unfortunately, communication with the publicity office was most unsatisfactory despite several e-mails, faxes and telephone calls to explain her icon status in South Africa.
They were told Charlize wouldn't be visiting South Africa soon because of a "very busy schedule".
Winner chosen according to coverage
Rootman believed if he had been able to talk to Charlize personally, the outcome might have been different.
"We would like to wish Charlize all of the best, especially in the light of another possible Oscar next year," he said.
The award is determined in a scientific manner according to news coverage and impact.
Previous winners include President Thabo Mbeki, former presidents Nelson Mandela and FW de Klerk, and Aids activist Zackie Achmat.
Rootman said the award had never been presented in absentia before.