TPH Chair Board of Directors Joe Marty, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, NY State Senator Shelley Mayer, TPH Executive Director Clayton Bushong

By Kate Verni, The Picture House

April 14, 2026: April Marquee Night 2026 is officially in the books—and what a night it was.

Decked out in Oscar-worthy style, the Bronxville Field Club welcomed a lively and festive crowd for The Picture House Regional Film Center’s annual gala celebration on March 15th. Guests arrived in Hollywood glamour, ready for an evening honoring film, community, and the shared magic of the big-screen experience. The night began with a beautiful musical performance by the Fong Sisters string trio, accompanied by their father on piano, setting the tone for an elegant and joyful evening.

This year’s celebration honored an extraordinary group of leaders whose contributions to film, the arts, and community life reflect the very spirit of The Picture House: acclaimed filmmaker Rebecca Miller, New York State Senator Shelley Mayer, and community champions Owen Berkowitz and Lisa Rao.

Honoree Lisa Rao

Lauren Rao, Honoree Lisa Rao, and Ashvin Rao

Touching video tributes highlighted Owen and Lisa’s remarkable contributions to The Picture House, their communities, and the arts.

Accepting the Lifetime Achievement Award, Berkowitz reflected on the shared passion that drives the organization. “The honor bestowed here really belongs to everyone…What defines The Picture House - and the passion that keeps us all involved—is our love of sharing stories, sharing dreams, and a shared curiosity about our world.” He added that the mission of the organization extends beyond preserving theaters: “We’re here tonight as a community —to keep these temples of imagination and culture not just alive but thriving.”

Honoree Owen Berkowitz

Honoree Owen Berkowitz with NYS Assemblymember Amy Paulin 

Honoree Owen Berkowitz with his wife Barbara Zarou

Lisa Rao, honored as the inaugural recipient of the Bronxville Century Award, echoed that spirit of community in her remarks. “We are so lucky to have this cultural gem called The Picture House in our community,” Rao said. “I’ll always be one of its biggest cheerleaders -and I invite all of you to cheer along with me because it’s such a special place.”

A longtime supporter of The Picture House who has helped secure significant grant funding for the organization, Senator Shelley Mayer spoke about the cultural impact of film and the vital role the nonprofit theater plays in bringing thoughtful cinema to the region.

Accepting the 1921 Foundation Award, Mayer said: “The Picture House is a nonprofit, mission-driven organization that brings quality films to our community and imbues creativity, intellectual challenge, openness to new ideas, and the beauty of the world into our lives. It’s a pleasure to go to a movie theater that is truly transformative —and The Picture House is keeping that experience alive.”

Honoree State Senator Shelley Mayer, who accepted the 1921 Foundation Award 

Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, NY State Senator Shelley Mayor, and Bronxville Village Trustee Helen Knapp

Accepting the Second Century Award, filmmaker Rebecca Miller reflected on the importance of independent theaters in supporting filmmakers and preserving the communal experience of cinema. “Independent filmmakers rely on places like The Picture House to show and champion our work…In a world where so much is experienced alone, gathering together in a theater to watch a film creates something powerful —an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. That shared experience is what makes cinema special, and it’s exactly what places like The Picture House preserve.”

Honoree Rebecca Miller and TPH Executive Director Clayton Bushong

Westchester County Legislator James Nolan, NY State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Honoree Rebecca Miller, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, NY State Senator Shelley Mayer and Congressman George Latimer

The evening also demonstrated the strong support The Picture House enjoys across the region. Local officials attended in force, underscoring their commitment to the organization’s mission, including U.S. Representative George Latimer, New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, Westchester County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, Westchester County Legislator James Nolan, Bronxville Mayor Mary Marvin, and Bronxville Trustee Helen Knapp.

Following the gala festivities, the celebration continued just down the street at The Picture House Bronxville, where guests gathered for the official after-party and a special screening of Miller’s acclaimed documentary series Mr. Scorsese, introduced by the award-winning filmmaker. Guests enjoyed a festive dessert and candy bar, sparkling drinks, and—of course—The Picture House’s award-winning popcorn as they settled in for a night at the movies.

Joe Marty, Chair Board of Directors TPH, Honorees Rebecca Miller, Owen Berkowitz, Lisa Rao, NY State Senator Shelley Mayer and TPH Executive Director Clayton Bushong

The Picture House extends heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors whose support helped make Marquee Night 2026, including Marquee Sponsor Jupiter Peak Productions, Red Carpet Sponsor Nancy & Rich Whitney, and Photo Backdrop Sponsor: Pepe Auto Group, the After Party Sponsors: Admiral Real Estate Services, The Gallo Family, Wild Vine Liquors; and  the Honoree Sponsors: Prep Academy Tutors, Bronxville Field Club, Mrs. Morgan’s Flower Shop.

The Picture House also recognizes its Premium Annual Sponsors, whose year-round support helps sustain the organization’s mission: Component Assembly Systems, DeCicco & Sons, Mount Sinai Doctors, NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester, and Tompkins Community Bank.

As always, Marquee Night served as both a celebration and a reminder of the vital role The Picture House plays in bringing people together through film, education, and cultural programming. Or, as Senator Mayer concluded: “Thank you to everyone who makes this success possible—and I’ll see you at the movies.”