McLEAN ANNUAL AWARD
Filmmaker David O. Russell and McLean President and Psychiatrist in Chief, Scott L. Rauch, MD |
David O. Russell, director of Silver Linings Playbook, receives the 2013 McLean Award
Acclaimed filmmaker David O. Russell received McLean’s highest honor, the McLean Award, at the hospital’s Annual Dinner on June 21, 2013, at the InterContinental Boston. He was recognized for his efforts to advance public awareness of mental health issues through advocacy and his 2012 film Silver Linings Playbook.
Silver Linings Playbook tells the poignant, heart-warming story of a man with bipolar disorder who is struggling to put his life back together. The film demonstratesthe complexities of mental illness in an honest, authentic way and is a refreshing departure from typical portrayals of the mentally ill in popular media. Mr. Russell was recognized with Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Mr. Russell, whose son has bipolar disorder, has been open about by his own family’s experiences with mental illness. His advocacy efforts recently brought him to Washington, where he and actor Bradley Cooper introduced important legislation to Congress and met with Vice President Joe Biden to discuss the state of mental health issues in America.
Mr. Russell graciously assumed the role of advocate and friend of McLean as he encouraged supporters, friends, patients and their family members to have their own conversations about mental health. His heartfelt acceptance speech was a powerful reminder that even mental illness has a silver lining.
