American Cinema Editors (ACE) will present film editors and ACE members Lori Jane Coleman, ACE, Diana Friedberg, ACE and William Gordean, ACE with the organization’s Heritage Award at the 67th Annual ACE Eddie Awards on Friday, January 27, in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The Heritage Award is presented periodically in recognition of unwavering commitment to advancing the image of the film editor, cultivating respect for the art and craft of the editing profession and tireless dedication to ACE. As previously announced, J.J. Abrams will receive the ACE Golden Eddie Filmmaker of the Year Award, Janet Ashikaga, ACE and Thelma Schoonmaker, ACE will receive Career Achievement honors and winners for best editing will be announced in 10 categories of film, television and documentaries.
“The Heritage Award is really special because it recognizes those that have dedicated themselves to illuminating the art of editing and whose commitment to ACE has elevated the organization and its core objectives,” stated the ACE Board of Directors. “William launched the program over twenty years ago and, along with Lori and Diana, they lovingly cultivated one of the most successful internship programs in the entertainment industry. We are tremendously grateful to this trio of dedicated professionals and proud to honor them with the Heritage Award for their enduring contribution to film editing’s next generation.”
Lori Jane Coleman, ACE
Two-time ACE Eddie Award winner and Emmy® Award nominee Coleman has been a member of ACE since 1974 and has served the organization in many capacities during that time, most notably as director of the ACE Internship program for over 20 years. Her credits include series like Chicago Hope, Picket Fences, The Practice, Dawson’s Creek, The Practice and Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. She has co-authored two books on film editing, "Make The Cut: A Guide to Becoming a Successful Assistant Editor in Film and TV" and "Jumpcut: How to Jump-Start Your Career as a Film Editor." She is also a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild.
Diana Friedberg, ACE
South African native Friedberg is a multiple award-winning editor and producer. After a successful career in South Africa, she moved to the US in 1986 and edited numerous projects for companies including Disney, National Geographic, The History Channel, A&E, Discovery, NBC, USA, HBO, Stephen J. Cannell, and Leonard Nimoy Productions. She produced, directed, photographed and edited the groundbreaking documentary series World on a String, which has won 31 international awards. Friedberg co-chaired the ACE intern program for the past 18 years, mentoring many young editors to successful careers in the industry. She coauthored "Make the Cut A Guide to Becoming a Successful Assistant Editor in Film and TV" and "Jump-Cut How to Jump-Start Your Career as a Film Editor."
William Gordean, ACE
Founder of the ACE Internship program and a film editor for over 35 years, Gordean’s credits include The Cannonball Run, Smokey and the Bandit II, Sharky’s Machine, Legend, Legal Eagles, Dragnet, The Great Outdoors, Beethoven and Beethoven’s 2nd and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He holds a Masters Degree in Film and Television from Loyola and has been heavily involved in lecturing film students on film editing at institutions like USC, UCLA and the American Film Institute. In addition to being a member of ACE, he is a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, the Screen Directors Guild and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
