Although the comment was well-received at theceremony, some student organizations had becomeupset at the event in recent weeks and refusedtheir nominations.

Two categories, Outstanding Theater Group andOutstanding Music Group (Choral Singing), haddefault winners because the other organizationsnominated had declined to participate. The awardswere given to the Immediate Gratification Playersand Kuumba. One category, for Outstanding ACappella Group, was dropped altogether.

Other students vigorously defended Parade ofStars, saying that the controversy wasmisdirected.

"There are more serious issues for people toget alarmed about than a silly awards show. Anyinitial project is going to have flaws, but theycan work it out next year. The show is supposed tobe entertaining," said Tonika D. Cheek '99,choreographer for the Class of '99 Steppers.

Although Chetanna I. Okasi '98, founder andpresident of Parade of Stars, and Joshua D. Powe'98, its producer, refused to comment to TheCrimson, they emphasized the celebratory nature ofthe show in the program's comments.

"In spite of all the recent controversy, wemaintain that an award's nite which unifies oftenisolated student groups in a celebratory manner isa positive addition to the long list of Harvardtraditions," they wrote.

Masai A.A. Osseo-Asare '00, the winner forOutstanding Lead Actress for her performance in"Songs We Can't Sing," praised the organization ofthe show and expressed hope that the awardstradition would continue.

"It could unite people on campus; I respect thework put into this," she said. "It has thepotential to be a celebration, not a competition."

The winner were:

Band of the Year: B-Side

Show of the Year: Angels in America:Millennium Approaches.

Outstanding Theater Group: ImmediateGratification Players

Outstanding Choral Music Group: Kuumba

Outstanding Concert of the Year: HarvardRadcliffe Orchestra

Outstanding Director: Monica A. Henderson'99