The 2001 Christopher Awards will be presented in a ceremony at the Time-Life Building in New York City on Feb. 22. First presented in 1949, the 52nd Christopher Awards will recognize "creative works that express the highest values of the human spirit." The Christophers seek to recognize writers, directors and producers, not actors. They are intended to recognize the creative people behind the scenes in movies, television and books.

As reported, the 52-year-old award program is run by the Christophers, a New York City group that was founded by a Catholic priest.

Last year David Mamet was honored for directing and writing the screen adaptation for Terence Rattigan's play, The Winslow Boy, and Emily Mann, the artistic director at the McCarter Theatre in New Jersey was honored for her screenplay, "Having Our Say," which aired on CBS. Past honorees also include Maya Angelou ("Down in the Delta"), Steven Spielberg ("Saving Private Ryan," Amistad," "Schindler's List," "Empire of the Sun" and "The Color Purple.")

The 52nd Christopher Awards event includes cocktails from 6-7 PM, an awards ceremony from 7-8 and a reception at 8 PM.

The event takes place at the Time-Life Building, 1271 Avenue of the Americas, Eighth Floor. For information call (212) 759 4050. The Christophers are located at 12 E. 48 St. For information call (212) 759-4050 or visit christophers.org. —By Murdoch McBride