The two hour event at the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater was opened by Leonard Engelman, the Academy's Make-up Artists and Hairstylists Branch Governor and MC'd by Rick Baker. It featured guest speakers Greg Cannom, Kazuhiro Tsuji, Mike Elizalde, Shane Mahan & John Rosengrant, Kevin Haney, Andrew Clement, Alec Gillis & Tom Woodruff, Carl Fullerton, Hal Holbrook and Linda Blair.

The standing-room only audience of 1,100 was also treated to an extensive series of video clips of Dick's groundbreaking work in film and television and never-before-seen documentary footage of Dick on location for THE EXORCIST and THE HUNGER.

The happy guest of honor received three separate standing ovations, and tidal wave of affection that shook the auditorium.

Dick and the audience were delighted by a surprise video from New Zealand. The giant projections of Peter Jackson, Guillermo del Toro and Richard Taylor sent their greetings and congratulations.

Click here to view this video.

At the end of the event, Rick gathered sixty of the world's top make-up artists to be in a group shot on stage with Dick to commemorate this historic moment in make-up history.

In a few weeks we will have extensive video footage of this historic tribute on our website. Please revisit us then and be a part of the excitement, the love and the celebration of that amazing evening.

This extraordinary event would not have been possible without the efforts of many talented and dedicated friends. Dick and his sons want to take this opportunity to extend their heartfelt thanks to the following individuals:

Leonard Engelman, the Academy's Make-up Artists and Hairstylists Branch Governor for , who was a tireless advocate for this tribute at the Academy.

Randy Haberkamp, Director of the Academy's Educational Programs, who's hard work, professionalism and personal understanding of Dick Smith's career made this immensely complex event run smoothly and beautifully.

Rick Baker, who played an important role in organizing the speaker panels and selecting the film clips and who served as Master of Ceremonies with such loyalty and affection.

Guest speakers Greg Cannom, Kazuhiro Tsuji, Kevin Haney, Mike Elizalde, Andrew Clement, Shane Mahan & John Rosengrant, Alec Gillis & Tom Woodruff, Carl Fullerton, Hal Holbrook and Linda Blair, whose stories and perspectives on Dick's career and on the man himself added immeasurably to the depth and interest of the tribute and made it a one-of-a-kind event.

Greg Cannom, Kazuhiro Tsuji and Jill Rockow for assembling the display of Dick Smith related objects.

Don Shay, who condensed his superb Cinefex article on Dick for the tribute program.

Jill Rockow, for her invaluable help as Dick's personal assistant in LA.

And finally to the Academy's Board of Governors for supporting this project with the full resources of a world-class organization.