APA Executive Director for Professional Practice Russ Newman, PhD, JD, presented an award recognizing the film “Proof” during the Voice Awards ceremony in Los Angeles in August. Awards program host Mariel Hemingway accepted the honor on behalf of the film’s writers and producers.

The Voice Awards program, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), recognizes the entertainment industry for what SAMHSA describes as “dignified, respectful and accurate portrayals of people with mental health problems.” APA is a Voice Awards program partner.

“Proof” examines the authorship of a mathematical proof and calls into question long-held beliefs about credibility, trust and mental illness. In his remarks, Newman lauded the cast for “proving that mental illness does not diminish the love, respect and work of a mathematical genius.”

SAMHSA selected nine original TV, film and radio productions released during 2005 from more than 35 award nominations. Among the honorees were an episode of the NBC crime drama “Law & Order: SVU”; the documentary “I Have Tourette’s, but Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me”; and National Public Radio’s Morning Edition segment “Katrina and Recovery.” The Voice Awards ceremony also honored several mental health consumer leaders and advocates.