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Celebrating women’s impact in film: WIF Honors 2024
A Night of Empowerment and Recognition
The 2024 WIF Honors, held at The Beverly Hilton, brought together the brightest talents in the entertainment industry to celebrate and support Women In Film’s educational and philanthropic endeavors. The evening, themed “The Power of the Collective,” highlighted the strength of collaboration and storytelling to reshape cultural narratives.
Honoring Annette Bening
The prestigious Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award was bestowed upon Annette Bening, a moment made even more special as it was presented by the iconic Jane Fonda herself. Fonda lauded Bening’s empathy and dedication, particularly noting her impactful role as chair of the Entertainment Community Fund. Bening’s acceptance speech was a powerful reflection on generational shifts in reproductive rights, as she poignantly remarked, “My generation was the first to have full reproductive rights… My two daughters are the first generation to have a constitutional right taken away.”
Kate Winslet’s Advocacy
Kate Winslet and director Ellen Kuras were honored with the Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film. The duo engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue about women’s opportunities in the industry and their film Lee, which chronicles the life of war photographer Lee Miller. Winslet underscored the significance of female collaboration in film, sharing the emotional highs and lows of working in a predominantly male industry. “When you get to the end of that day and smile and hug it out… I want on that set,” she emphasized passionately.
Kerry Washington: A Multifaceted Talent
Kerry Washington received the Entrepreneur in Entertainment Award for her dynamic roles beyond acting. Washington expressed her love for producing and directing, equating it to a team sport. “I love to be part of a collective. I’m not an artist who loves to work alone,” she noted, highlighting the collaborative essence of her work.
Bringing Diversity to TV: Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel
The Crystal Award for Advocacy in TV was awarded to Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel for their trailblazing Netflix series Survival of the Thickest. Their conversation explored the power of partnerships and the importance of personal growth. Buteau eloquently summed it up: “You got to collect yourself first.”
Joey King: Looking Toward the Future
Joey King, recipient of the Max Mara Face of the Future Award, shared heartfelt reflections on her acting journey. King acknowledged the women who shaped her career and spoke candidly about her struggles with self-worth. She beautifully conveyed how she found peace and fulfillment within herself by her early twenties, a testament to personal growth and resilience.
Leadership Transition at WIF
The evening also marked a significant transition within WIF, as current board president Amy Baer announced that Syrinthia Studer would take on the role in 2025. Baer praised Studer’s career achievements and looked forward to her ambitious and exciting plans for the organization’s future.
Reflections on the 2024 WIF Honors
The 2024 WIF Honors underscored the transformative power of women in the entertainment industry. By celebrating leaders who champion inclusivity, collaboration, and inspiring stories, the event not only honored past achievements but also set the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future.
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