The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Women in Entertainment event, presented by Lifetime, took place on Wednesday, celebrating the influential women shaping Hollywood. The event coincided with the release of THR’s Power 100 list, showcasing the most powerful women in the industry.
This year, Nicole Kidman received the prestigious Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, recognizing her as a trailblazer in her field. Selena Gomez was honored with the Equity in Entertainment Award for her dedication to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities within the entertainment landscape. The breakfast event, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, was kicked off by comedian Nikki Glaser, who humorously highlighted the significance of honoring women early in the day and expressed the need for solidarity among women in Hollywood.
Glaser acknowledged that while competition is prevalent in the industry, fostering kindness and support among women is crucial. She encouraged the attendees to assist one another rather than succumb to jealousy.
A group of influential figures, including THR’s deputy editorial director Jeanie Pyun and writer-at-large Lacey Rose, took the stage to recognize this year’s honorees and express gratitude to sponsors. Comedian Molly Shannon presented Gomez with her award, commending her talent, empathy, and commitment to creating a positive impact on the world.
In her acceptance speech, Gomez reflected on an early moment of representation she felt proud of during her career. She acknowledged the younger generation’s demand for equity and representation in storytelling while emphasizing the importance of supporting projects that reflect diverse voices.
The event also featured a scholarship segment where Jennifer Lawrence and Amanda Zurawski highlighted the ongoing mentorship program, pairing talented high school girls from underserved communities with influential women in the industry. Each mentee received a $10,000 scholarship for their university education, while additional full-ride scholarships were awarded.
Kerry Washington announced a new partnership with The Roybal School of Film and Television Magnet to further support aspiring filmmakers.
Laura Dern honored Kidman with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, reminiscing about their friendship and celebrating Kidman’s commitment to working with female directors. Kidman’s acceptance speech underscored the importance of mentorship and called on the powerful women in the room to uplift emerging talent, reflecting on the profound impact that mentorship has had on her career.
The event saw participation from numerous notable figures, including Anna Kendrick, Kathy Bates, and Diane Warren, and was supported by various sponsors committed to empowering women in the entertainment field.
This annual gathering not only celebrates the achievements of women in Hollywood but also emphasizes the ongoing commitment to mentorship and equity in the industry, fostering hope for a more inclusive future.
Overall, the event underscores the power of female solidarity and mentorship in shaping the next generation of women leaders in entertainment, paving the way for a broader representation of stories that reflect the realities of diverse communities.