'Best of the South Gala' attracts Hollywood actors

[April 20, 2010]  LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- Oscar winner Morgan Freeman and other Hollywood heavyweights will be in Little Rock this weekend for a celebration of Southern culture and art.

The Southern literary magazine The Oxford American is hosting Saturday's "Best of the South Gala."

Freeman is set to receive the magazine's inaugural award for Outstanding Contributions to Southern Culture.

"True Grit" author Charles Portis will receive the magazine's Lifetime Achievement in Southern Literature award, and reigning American Idol and Arkansas native Kris Allen will perform.

Money raised at the event will go to support The Oxford American, a nonprofit.

[Associated Press]

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