US: Will Packer to Produce the 94th Oscars, Plus a Celebration of Black Cinema, a Virtual Breast Cancer Research Gala and More

NATIONAL: Gaylord Hotels has unveiled a new family-friendly Christmas experience, called Mission: Save Christmas Featuring Elf, that will pop up at its properties in Florida, Tennessee, Colorado and Maryland starting in November. The multisensory event is a collaboration with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment and allows guests to join Buddy the Elf in an attempt to muster enough Christmas cheer to help Santa’s sleigh fly.

The Pink Agenda, a nonprofit that raises money for breast cancer research and care, is hosting its annual gala virtually today at 8 p.m. ET. Hosted by Giuliana and Bill Rancic, the livestreamed viewing experience and online silent auction will feature special guests including Miranda McKeon, Adam Kuperstein, Melissa Joan Hart and more. 

LOS ANGELES: Will Packer will produce the 94th annual Academy Awards. It's the Emmy-nominated producer’s first involvement in the Oscars, which take place March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre and air live on ABC. Packer has been involved in producing films and TV like Girls Trip, Straight Outta Compton and the remake of Roots, and is the founder and CEO of film production company Will Packer Productions and digital and branded content company Will Packer Media. 

Halle Berry, Anthony Anderson, Jennifer Hudson, Berry Jenkins and more will be honored at the Critics Choice Association’s fourth annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, taking place on Dec. 6 at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel. The event, which honors standout achievements in Black filmmaking and television in 20 award categories, is being produced by Madelyn Hammond & Associates along with event production agency Swisher Productions. 

SEATTLE: After 15 years at Visit Seattle, Tom Norwalk will retire as president and CEO on March 31, 2022. Under Norwalk’s leadership, Seattle set all-time records for tourism visitation and spending. He’s credited with helping change the perception of Seattle to a year-round tourism destination and oversaw the creation of the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area.

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