Showtime earns diversity kudos

Del Toro, Rhames, Cruz to be feted

By VANESSA STACK

HOLLYWOOD -- The ninth annual Diversity Awards, held at the Hollywood & Highland Ballroom Nov. 17 in L.A., will honor Showtime as the network that offers the most diverse programming.

Among those to be feted are actors Benicio Del Toro, Ving Rhames, and Penelope Cruz; director Kasi Lemmons; and writing-directing duo Mike Tollin and Brian Robbins.

The cast of "Survivor 2" will be named the most diverse television ensemble cast of 2001.

The Diversity Awards will be taped for a fall airdate.