The Copperfield Award

[MarkWeidhaas]

The Copperfield Award
For Outstanding Achievement in the Art of Magic

The most prestigious award ever presented by David Copperfield through The Society of American Magicians.

The Copperfield Award recognizes an individual or group of individuals who have made significant contributions to the art through performance, literature, production, ambassadorship or life’s work.

The award is presented at The Society of American Magicians (S.A.M.) Annual Banquet (part of their annual convention) and continues the rich tradition of Harry Houdini honoring magicians at this formal event. With one significant difference, Mr. Copperfield is not just honoring a magician, he is awarding them with a $10,000 prize.

Be a part of magic history and see the first Copperfield Award presented on July 16, 2016 at the S.A.M. Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
Register at http://www.magicsam.com

[CraigMitchell]

Hi Mark

Can you give more details on the award selection process ? Are nominations taken / members polled or is there a jury ?

Thanks

[MarkWeidhaas]

Michael Carbonaro - First Ever Recipient of The Copperfield Prize
David Copperfield announced Michael Carbonaro as the first recipient of the Copperfield Prize. The award recognizes an individual or group of individuals for their outstanding achievement in the art of magic.

Michael Carbonaro has been a pioneer of the hidden-camera magic genre starting with his appearances on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno in 2011. In 2014 Carbonaro launched his hit television series – The Carbonaro Effect – which airs on truTV and continues to bring a growing number of fans into the unique world he has created.

In addition to his work on television Carbonaro’s touring interactive magic show, Michael Carbonaro Live! has performed to sold out crowds across the country. The Copperfield Prize does not just recognize great achievement in the art of magic but achievement that elevates the art form and Michael Carbonaro has done just that.

Carbonaro received the honor on July 16th, 2016 at The Society of American Magicians National Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Harry Houdini, a past President of the S.A.M., would recognize other magicians at their annual gathering and David Copperfield, an ambassador of the S.A.M., continues this rich tradition with one significant perk. Mr. Copperfield has attached a $10,000 award to this honor commensurate in monetary value to the Pulitzer Prize.

About David Copperfield
David Copperfield is recognized by audiences and critics alike as the greatest magician in the world. He is well known for creating amazing illusions including Vanishing The Statue of Liberty, Walking Through the Great Wall of China and Flying.

Copperfield has received 21 Emmys for his groundbreaking television specials, 11 Guinness World Records and with ticket sales in the billions, has sold more tickets than any other solo entertainer in history. He was the first living illusionist to receive a Star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and his face graces the postage stamps of six different countries.

David Copperfield was knighted by the French government and along with Steven Speilberg, Martin Scorsese and Colin Powell, received the Living Legend award from the United States Library of Congress. Mr. Copperfield was recognized as The Magician of the Century and the “King of Magic” by The Society of American Magicians, the world’s oldest and most prestigious magic organization. If this isn’t enough, he was called “The Greatest Illusionist of Our Time” by Oprah Winfrey. Currently David Copperfield is working with the United States Congress to have magic recognized as a rare and valuable art form and national treasure.

About The Society of American Magicians
The Society of American MagiciansFounded in 1902 in the back of a New York City magic shop, The Society of American Magicians is the world’s oldest magic organization. Harry Houdini became president of the society in 1911 and kept that title for 9 years. Other past presidents include Houdini’s brother Hardeen, illusionist Howard Thurston, Cardini and Harlan Tarbell. For over a century it has promoted the ideals shared by these great magicians and more than 47,000 others world-wide who have held membership in the society. Those ideals include the elevation of the Art of Magic, the promotion of harmony among magicians, and the opposition of the unnecessary public exposure of magical effects.

[Richard Kaufman]

Mark, you didn't answer the question: who judges or picks the nominees and/or winner for this prize?

Michael is certainly deserving of the prize, but who decided he should get it?

[Brad Henderson]

Tony hassini

[MarkWeidhaas]

As it is not an SAM award, I don't want to misspeak, but I understand their are a team of judges. I will follow up, but it is 3:45 am and we just got back from the SAM Convention. It was amazing, but I need a week's sleep.

[Richard Kaufman]

Very funny, Brad.

Thanks for your response, Mark. I know the feeling.