Martin Short and his late wife, Nancy, are being recognized for their courage by the Women's Research Cancer Fund.

Organizers say Short will accept the Courage Award on behalf of his wife, who lost her three-year battle with cancer last year, at the annual Unforgettable Evening fund-raising event Thursday.

Annette Bening is also being honored at the private star-studded dinner, where Conan O'Brien is serving as host and Rihanna is to perform.

The Women's Cancer Research Fund is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation that supports research and education toward early diagnosis and innovative cures for women's cancers. Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Steven Spielberg, and Kate Capshaw serve as honorary chairmen for the organization.

First Published February 5, 2011, 1:15 a.m.