DELRAY BEACH, Fla., March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delray Beach Film Festival presented the first-ever Frownie Award, given to the best close-up of an actress in a film, to Kashmera Shah, star of "My Bollywood Bride."

The Frownie Award, which bears the inscription "I'm ready for my close- up," was created by the makers of legendary Frownies Facial Pads, a non- surgical face lift used by Hollywood film stars for decades.

Dayton, Ohio-based 116-year old B & P Company, which has played a supporting role in many Hollywood films, also makes a line of accompanying skin care products, including a wrinkle reducer, anti-aging moisturizer and natural facial cleansers.

"We're proud to be one of the first film festivals in the world to recognize actresses whose close-ups are truly a thing of natural beauty, or should be," said Delray Beach Film Festival Director Michael Posner.

"We give awards for everything else, so why not for 'Best Close-up?'" he said. "While it might appear superficial, close-ups are a sensitive part of filmmaking. Actresses have long turned to Frownies to help smooth out lines around eyes and mouths before those fateful close-ups."

"Hollywood and Frownies have been a magical combination since the early days of film," said Kathy Wright, who is in the fourth generation of women running the company.

Over the years, Frownies have made it to the big screen on many faces. Gloria Swanson wore them in the classic film "Sunset Boulevard." Frownies were also worn by Glenn Close in "Mars Attacks" (1996), and had cameo roles on Gwen Verdon in "Cocoon" (1985) and Meryl Streep in "Death Becomes Her" (1992).

Other actresses and celebrities who use Frownies include Rene Russo, fashion model Dayle Haddon, and many soap stars. Famous make-up artists recommending Frownies include the House of Westmore, Oscar award-winning artist David Anderson, and Emmy award-winning artist Eve Pearl.

About B & P Company Inc.

Established in 1889, B & P Company Inc. is America's first anti-aging skin care company and a leader in bringing scientific advancements to the world of cosmetics and skin care. The firm was founded by Margaret Kroesen and has remained a woman-managed and family-owned business for five generations. For more information, please visit http://www.frownies.com .

Contact: Kelli Bloechinger

                 kelli@transmediagroup.com
                 561-750-9800 x226

CONTACT: Kelli Bloechinger, TransMedia, +1-561-750-9800, ext. 226, or kelli@transmediagroup.com, for B & P Company

Web site: http://www.frownies.com/