According to the Associated Press, the Meryl Streep will be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters as an honorary member. The elite society boasts an exclusive roster of 250 members who are the crème de la crème of art, literature, and music. Academy members can nominate a new honoree if a seat is vacated. Streep has been tapped for a special category that is explained to the AP as “Americans of great distinction in the arts whose work falls outside the traditional departments.” Toni Morrison and Stephen Sondheim already hold memberships to this lofty organization.

The AP reported Streep’s response in a telephone interview as, “I have to say that I was stunned, and when they sent me the roster of people in the academy I just burst into tears.” Streep is noted for excellent performances in films such as, “Sophie’s Choice,” “Kramer vs. Kramer,” and “Julie & Julia.” Among her past honors, she’s won two Academy Awards. Of this latest thrill, she remarked, “I couldn’t believe that I’d be even allowed in the kitchen.” Streep will be formally inducted into the Academy at a ceremony next month.

On April 07, Meryl has attended the White House Project’s EPIC Awards. She introduced the film Yes Madam, Sir directed by Megan Doneman about Kiran Bedi who was the first female police officer in India. As she introduced Kiran and the clip she said, “There are women in the world who are willing to stand up… You are changing the world one woman at a time”. The film is narrated by Helen Mirren. Pictures from the awards can be found in the Image Library.

Many thanks to Tina, who has previously provided caps from these, for also providing clips from the “The Directors” documentaries on Wes Craven and Sydney Pollack. Both feature very in-depth and interesting interviews with Meryl on the makings of “Music of the Heart” and “Out of Africa”. Thanks!

Meryl has attended the opening night of “Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson”, starring Benjamin Walker. Pictures can be found in the Image Library.

Eight new clips have been added to the video archive, including some amazing findings. Details and credits below the previews.

Meryl Streep speaks at the UN (2010) March 5, 2010. Meryl Streep talks about Woman’s Rights, the Beijing +15 Process and introduces her friend Sarah Jones at the United Nations. The Tony-award winner plays different characters of women from around the world whose lives are directly affected by discriminatory laws. Meryl Streep at Vassar (2010) Segment by the Vassar college on Meryl’s stage debut in the title role of “Miss Julie”. BBC Talking Movies (2009) Description: July 30, 2009. Report on and interview with Meryl Streep. Many thanks to Alvaro for taping and contributing this! Meryl Streep reads “The Sign on Rosie’s Door” (2008). Back in 2008, Meryl Streep attended the 80th birthday party for Maurice Sendak and read one of his stories, “The Sign on Rosie’s Door”. Many thanks to Tina for finding this! Biography: Bruce Willis (2005) Documentary on Bruce Willis, including interview by Meryl Streep on “Death Becomes Her” and their collaboration for Paul Newman’s “Hole in the Wall Gang Camp”. Many thanks to Alvaro for taping and contributing this! American Cinematheque Tribute to Nicole Kidman (2003) Director Stephen Daldry and Allison Janney salute Nicole Kidman for her performance in “The Hours” plus a taped congratulations segment by Meryl Streep. New York at the Movies (2002) A&E documentary on the films that were made in New York and how the city is portrayed in them. Hosted by Meryl Streep. An Evening with Friends of the Environment (1990) Meryl’s speech at the “An Evening with Friends of the Environment” charity concert in 1990. Many thanks to Daniel!

Here comes a real treat for everyone interested in the real story behind Meryl’s 1983 film “Silkwood”, which was based on the real story of Karen Silkwood. This is a very in-depth documentary by the Biography Channel, featuring lots of insightful facts and interviews with Karen’s family and companions, as well as the film’s producer. Enjoy!

On the night of November 13, 1974, Karen Silkwood, a technician at the Kerr-McGee Cimarron River nuclear facility in Crescent, Oklahoma, was driving her white Honda to Oklahoma City. There she was to deliver a manila folder full of alleged health and safety violations at the plant to a friend, Drew Stephens, a New York Times reporter and national union representative. Seven miles out of Crescent, however, her car went off the road, skidded for a hundred yards, hit a guardrail, and plunged off the embankment. Silkwood was killed in the crash, and the manila folder was not found at the scene when Stephens arrived a few hours later. Nor has it come to light since. Although Kerr-McGee was a prominent Oklahoma employer whose integrity had never been challenged, as a part of the nuclear power industry it had many adversaries. The controversy ignited by Silkwood’s death regarding the regulation of the nuclear industry was intense, with critics finally finding an example around which to focus their argument. The legacy of the Silkwood case continues to this day in the on-going debate over the safety of nuclear technology.

Added lots of new pictures since Meryl has been busy attending the previously announced events. She was spotted at the Women in the World Summit, the DVF Awards as well as the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony. There are also new additions from the 2010 Academy Awards. Enjoy the new pictures. Scans are coming next.

Image Library > Appearances > 2010 > Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony
Image Library > Appearances > 2010 > DVF Awards
Image Library > Appearances > 2010 > Women in the World Summit
Image Library > Appearances > 2010 > Academy Awards

After watching herself portrayed by Meryl Streep, Northern Irish civil rights leader Inez McCormack stood on stage with the actress and discussed her causes – and what it felt like to watch Streep in action. “She’s better at me than I am,” McCormack said. The clip can be watched in the video archive.

Ingrid Betancourt, Franco-Colombian politician, former Senator, and anti-corruption advocate will be one of four women honored at The DVF Awards inaugural ceremony in New York City on Saturday evening, March 13th, 2010 at the United Nations. The Award will be presented to Ingrid by Meryl Streep. “I cannot think of anyone who deserves this award more than Ingrid Betancourt for her courage to fight, her power to survive and her leadership to inspire,” says Diane von Furstenberg. More information can be found at the official website. Many thanks to Caro for the heads-up!

The hallmark women’s magazine is hosting an event to honor influential females during their 125 years of publication. On April 12, in honor of their 125th anniversary, leading women’s magazine Good Housekeeping will host a one-night event in honor of our nation’s most influential women. According to a release, the event, which is being called “Shine On,” will salute icons, visionaries, goddesses, and even “hellraisers.” The New York City event is being staged to raise money to build the first permanent location for the National Women’s History Museum in Washington D.C. “Shine On” will be an original 90-minute long production featuring stars of both the stage and screen including Meryl Streep, Kristen Bell, Fran Drescher and Ann Hampton Callaway. Lynne Taylor-Corbett is directing the show, which will honor “women whose combination of intelligence, imagination and nerve changed our lives forever.” These luminaries include Susan B. Anthony, Martha Stewart, Sally Ride, Dorothy Parker and Madonna. Tickets for “Shine On” are available now on the NY City Center website.