Eisner Says It’s Wonderful Week at Disney

Singer Phil Collins had just finished a rendition of his hit single “Against All Odds” when he turned to the man of the hour, Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner.

“Hello, Michael,” Collins said Thursday night from center stage at the Century Plaza Hotel’s Los Angeles Ballroom. “I know this has been a bit of a lousy week, but we’re here to help you forget about that.”

The line drew light laughter from the 1,000 or so people at the banquet, where the 61-year-old Eisner was honored for his service to the community and his achievements at Disney and was named 2003 Pioneer of the Year by the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund, a charitable organization.

Collins continued with a lively 30-minute set that began appropriately enough with “Heaven.” (“We’ve had our problems, but I’m on your side.”)

After a glowing tribute from Motion Picture Assn. of America President Jack Valenti, Eisner took the microphone and challenged Collins’ assessment of the week, which saw Roy E. Disney and his lieutenant, Stanley P. Gold, quit the Disney board and call for Eisner’s ouster.

“I want to say this has been a great week,” Eisner said, making his first public comments since the dramatic resignations.

Eisner said he had much to be thankful for -- “First of all, you’re living and you’re healthy.” He went on to say he was particularly grateful that his sons were doing so well: Breck, who is directing a movie for Paramount Pictures Corp., and Eric and Anders, who Eisner joked had shaved and were wearing ties for the event.

“So to say that I’ve had anything but a wonderful week would be an understatement,” Eisner told the crowd. Among the celebrities there were actors Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher, actress Jamie Lee Curtis and producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

Gold and Disney chose not to attend the dinner.