Annette Bening Earns 2019 Tony Nomination

I am happy but not a bit surprised to read of Annette Bening’s recent Tony nomination for her performance in Arthur Miller’s play “All My Sons.” Right before her first Oscar nomination for The Grifters and during my tenure as San Diego Mesa's Dean of Humanities, former student Bening returned to receive a Humanities Award. She also conducted a workshop for drama students. Her enthusiasm for acting delighted everyone!

"My goal is to become an old woman playing all sorts of character parts," she told the students.

Expressing a desire to do Hamlet, Bening reminded the group that Dame Judith Anderson successfully portrayed that traditionally male leading role many years ago.

As an avid Bening fan, I hope her wish comes true. And I’m sending her extra-special good vibes for a Tony win.   

CBS will broadcast the 73^rd Annual Tony Awards, hosted by James Corden, on June 9.

Annette Bening's Big Evening

Hooray for four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening! At a sold-out fundraiser in San Diego on September 20, she raised $200,000 to help needy students attending San Diego Community College institutions. The event was called “An Evening with Annette Bening.” During this important gala, Annette delivered an inspirational speech about how her experience at San Diego Mesa College helped her achieve her acting goals, especially the Drama Department.

The fundraiser was organized to support a program called San Diego Promise. It pays for books and tuition for first-time full-time students who are “financially struggling.” The district now has an Annette Bening Promise Scholarship that will be given annually on each campus.

Annette’s parents, Grant and Shirley Bening, were in attendance. “It was fun to hear the students who have benefited from the program, as well as dignitaries who spoke,” Mrs. Bening said. “Annette did a good job in her speech," she added. 

Since the event was called "An Evening with Annette Bening,” how could the Benings not be proud parents?

I’m sure Mesa College is also proud of this successful alumna as well as grateful to her for heading up the San Diego Promise project.