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Celebrific

Tracking Celebrities in Their Native Habitat

Neil Patrick Harris

CNN’s All-Star Tribute to Heroes

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Last Saturday night, Hollywood celebrities decked out in their flashy suits and designers dresses for CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute 2009 at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles.

CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute 2009
Three-time Grammy nominee Leona Lewis performed the song “Happy” from her sophomore album “Echo.”

Big names such as Neil Patrick Harris, Kate Hudson, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson showed their full support to the real “stars” that night.

CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute 2009
“There are so many awards shows every year for the Hollywood community that participating in something as effective as this makes those others feel inconsequential and provides perspective,” Neil Patrick Harris said.

The ceremony honored top 10 ordinary citizens all over the world for making a difference in the lives of other people. CNN viewers voted for their favorites from the 28 finalists, and the top ten heroes each received $25,000. The biggest winner of the night is 28-year-old Efren Penaflorida Jr. from the Philippines, who received a grant of $100,000 for being CNN’s Hero of the Year.

Efren Penaflorida
CNN Hero of the Year, Efren Penaflorida. Photo from Ako Mismo.

Penaflorida was recognized for his “pushcart classroom”—a program that educates poor children by bringing a pushcart of books to the slums. As a child, he chose school over the gang life and vowed to help other children choose the same path. His small idea grew into the 10,000-member Dynamic Teen Company, which has taught reading, writing, and hygiene to 1,500 kids so far.

To see which stars paid tribute to which heroes, watch the coverage on 9 p.m. EST Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, on CNN, CNN International and CNN en Espanol. Also visit CNN’s website.

Neil Patrick Harris Steals the Show

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In last year’s Emmys, five reality stars emceed the show. It was so disastrous that I forgot who they were, and I supposed, so did you. And boy did the producers make up for it this year! TV actor and Broadway star Neil Patrick Harris was hailed for his superb hosting skills and opening performance at the 2009 Emmy Awards.

61st Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Show
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: Host Neil Patrick Harris performs onstage during the 61st Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Nokia Theatre on September 20, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Reminiscent of his Tony Awards performance this year, NPH’s opening act was a song-and-dance number that didn’t disappoint. Never mind that he didn’t win Best Supporting Actor for How I Met Your Mother. If you missed it, view it here:

His hosting was so good that when Jeff Probst accepted his award for Best Reality Host for Survivor, he said in his acceptance speech: “Neil Patrick Harris, THIS is how you host the Emmys. Nice job.” Now I remember. Jeff was one of the five hosts in last year’s show.

If that wasn’t enough, Jon Stewart, who accepted the Best Variety, Music or Comedy Series award for The Daily Show, paused in the middle of his speech to compliment NPH on doing a great job.

As for the winners that night, there wasn’t much surprise as most of the awards were given to the same winners as last year’s Emmys. See the full list here.

“The Emmy cast with Harris in charge not only was remarkably stylish, fun and brisk but could even make viewers forget last year’s disastrous format with five hosts, none of whom could rise to the occasion,” commented Frazier Moore of the AP.

First the Tonys, and now he saves the Emmys. What’s next for NPH—the Oscars?