Billy Crudup, Vincent D'Onofrio, John Leguizamo, Sam Rockwell and Lili Taylor, among others, will be on hand as Hawke receives the third annual Michael Mendelson Award "in grateful recognition of the exceptional contributions of individuals to the theatrical community," according to an announcement. A 6:30 PM cocktail reception will be followed by a dinner and live auction (in addition to the tribute and performances).

Hawke — well-known for his film work in "Before Sunset," "Training Day," "Reality Bites" and "Dead Poets Society" — has been also been seen onstage in The Coast of Utopia, Henry IV, The Seagull, The Late Henry Moss, The Cider House Rules, Buried Child, Sophistry and Camino Real

With The New Group, Hawke appeared in the cast of Hurlyburly and recently directed the Off-Broadway staging of Things We Want. He also co-founded and serves as artistic director for the Malaparte Theater Company.

The New Group's current season just launched with Mark Brokaw's staging of Kevin Elyot's Mouth to Mouth (through Dec. 13). The lineup continues with artistic director Scott Elliott directing a revival of Eugene O'Neill's Mourning Becomes Electra, featuring Lili Taylor and Jena Malone (Jan. 13-March 7, 2009) and Seth Zvi Rosenfeld's Handball (previews begin April 27, 2009).

Tickets to the gala at Chelsea Piers (Pier 60 @ 23rd Street) and further information can be obtained by calling (212) 244-3380, ext. 314. For more information on The New Group, visit TheNewGroup.org.