Celebrating the power of women in film and TV
Honoring trailblazers in the entertainment industry
The annual WIF Honors, a prestigious event celebrating the achievements of women in the entertainment industry, is set to recognize some of the most influential figures this year. Among the honorees are Kate Winslet, Kerry Washington, and Joey King, who have made significant contributions to cinema and television.
A night of recognition and celebration
The WIF (formerly known as Women in Film, Los Angeles) gala will also pay tribute to Annette Bening and Michelle Buteau. This year’s event promises to be a night of celebration, highlighting the remarkable achievements of these women both on and off the screen.
Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film and TV
Kate Winslet will be honored with the Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film alongside her “Lee” director, Ellen Kuras. This award recognizes their efforts in promoting important narratives through their work. For those interested in exploring their film, you can watch the trailer for Lee.
On the television front, Michelle Buteau and her “Survival of the Thickest” co-creator, Danielle Sanchez-Witzel, will receive the Crystal Award for Advocacy in TV. Their series has been a beacon of representation and inclusivity. Check out the trailer for Survival of the Thickest.
Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award
The legendary Jane Fonda will present the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award to Annette Bening. This award is a testament to Bening’s dedication to humanitarian causes and her impact beyond the entertainment industry.
Entrepreneur in Entertainment Award
Kerry Washington will be recognized with the Entrepreneur in Entertainment Award. Washington’s entrepreneurial spirit and her contributions to the industry have set a new standard for what it means to be a multifaceted talent in Hollywood.
WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award
Joey King will become the 19th recipient of the WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award. This award highlights her promising career and the potential she holds as a future leader in the industry.
The essence of leadership and creativity
WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer emphasized the significance of this year’s honorees, stating, “The 2024 honorees embody the very essence of leadership, creativity, and advocacy that WIF has championed for over 50 years. Their remarkable contributions, both on and off the screen, are a testament to the progress we continue to make toward a more equitable and inclusive entertainment industry. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and the lasting change they inspire.”
The power of the collective
The theme for this year’s WIF Honors, The Power of the Collective, underscores the importance of collaboration and inclusive storytelling in driving change. WIF Honors Committee co-chairs Monica Levinson and Talitha Watkins highlighted how the honorees exemplify this spirit, demonstrating how collective strength can reshape culture and challenge industry norms.
Opening remarks and support
WIF board of directors member Jurnee Smollett will deliver the opening remarks at the benefit, which supports WIF’s educational and philanthropic programs, and its advocacy for gender parity in entertainment. Additional presenters and participating talent will be announced in the coming weeks.
Sponsors and supporters
WIF Honors is presented by Max Mara with Visionary Sponsor ShivHans Pictures and additional support from Amazon MGM Studios, Lexus, Netflix, and STARZ #TakeTheLead.
Save the date
The WIF Honors will take place on Oct. 24 at the Beverly Hilton. This event is not just a celebration but a call to action for a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry.
For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this event is a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact of diverse voices in shaping our cultural landscape. The honorees’ work continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of filmmakers and actors.