Shanley, a longtime member of EST, will receive the Distinguished Member Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to theatre at the 37th anniversary benefit dinner, which will be held at the Prince George Ballroom. Artists who have collaborated with Shanley throughout his career on stage and screen will be part of the award presentation. "Law and Order" executive producer Fred Berner and Sundance Channel executive vice president Laura Michalchyshyn serve as benefit co-chairs.

Shanley received the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize in Drama for Doubt, which he adapted and directed for the screen to great acclaim starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams and Viola Davis. The film adaptation of Doubt received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Shanley's works also include the plays Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, Defiance, The Dreamer Examines His Pillow, the musical Romantic Poetry and the Oscar-winning screenplay for "Moonstruck."

Tickets for the 6 PM event, including cocktails, hors d'ouevres and a silent auction, are priced $300. For tickets, phone (212) 247-4982, ext. 115.