As a woman of color who has struggled to find representation in media and entertainment, I deeply resonate with the sentiments expressed by these trailblazing figures. It is truly inspiring to see trans actors like Laverne Cox and Indya Moore breaking barriers on network TV, challenging stereotypes, and offering authentic portrayals that resonate with audiences worldwide. Their courage to be truthful and authentic in their roles has the potential to change perceptions, foster understanding, and empower the trans community.
On Wednesday, The Hollywood Reporter hosted their third annual event titled “Raising Our Voices,” honoring influential champions in the entertainment industry who advocate passionately for diversity, fairness, inclusivity, and accessibility.
At Spago in Beverly Hills, STARZ #TakeTheLead proudly hosted an event that brought together stars such as Annette Bening, Kumail Nanjiani, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and the breakout star of “Baby Reindeer” (and Emmy nominee) Nava Mau. This gathering was made possible with ACLU and East West Bank as supporting sponsors. The occasion coincided with the unveiling of THR’s Forces For Change list, honoring influential figures for their efforts in fostering diversity within Hollywood.
After posing for red carpet photos and socializing with attendees such as Gloria Calderón Kellett, Trace Lysette, Lilly Singh, executives Karey Burke, Ayo Davis, and Jamila Daniel, the evening began with opening remarks from THR president Joe Shields and deputy editorial director Jeanie Pyun. They then presented a segment from The Bridge, a documentary film that the East West Bank Foundation commissioned to celebrate the collective journey of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community’s experience.
In this scenario, Nekesa Mumbi Moody, as co-editor-in-chief, awarded Starz with the Trailblazer Award for their #TakeTheLead initiative. This program is Starz’s dedication to boosting narratives concerning women and underrepresented groups through genuine storytelling both on and off the screen. Moody then invited Kathryn Busby, president of original programming at Starz, onto the stage.
At STARZ, representation holds significant importance, and #TakeTheLead is more than just a catchphrase; it serves as our purpose, our guiding principle. We’re delighted to support voices that have historically been underrepresented, and in this progressive journey, we won’t falter or retreat.
Additionally, Busby pointed out that receiving this recognition signified a straightforward principle: “It showcases how our field can echo, affirm, and laud the entire range of human experiences. I’m thrilled to contribute to such an evolution.
Contributing editor Stacey Wilson Hunt moderated the initial panel discussion of the day, titled “Achieving Gender Equity in Storytelling,” which was organized by STARZ #TakeTheLead. The panel included Laura Eason, showrunner for the series “Three Women,” Louise Friedberg, director, Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of Women in Film, Nina Yang Bongiovi, producer of both “Fancy Dance” and “Passing,” and Carla Gutierrez, director and editor of “Frida.
The team discussed crafting projects geared towards women and the difficulties that often arise, especially regarding funding and studio backing in Hollywood today. Eason expressed, “I believe everyone is experiencing this squeeze right now, and I’m optimistic we’ll bounce back.” It seems like Three Women might be one of the last productions to benefit from a time when it was easier to secure funding and substantial studio assistance.
As a supporter, I can attest that the sensation, shared by many, is undeniably palpable – the resistance faced by women, individuals of color, those with disabilities, transgender and nonbinary people. This pushback is tangible, and it’s not just in the statistics; it’s evident in our culture and in the industry as well. However, there are glimmers of hope like the presence of intimacy coordinators that offer a beacon of progress.
Following the triumph of Barbie, Schaffer stated, “The ongoing dialogue about taking risks is something many women and nonbinary individuals encounter daily. We’re not risky; we generate profits for studios and streaming platforms. So, consider that ‘risk’, and there will be a reward.
Bening stepped in as the host during the second discussion titled “Freedom to Be: The Evolution of Transgender Visibility,” organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Alongside her were Mau, Rodriguez, the actor Brian Michael Smith from 9-1-1: Lone Star, and Chase Strangio, who leads ACLU’s LGBTQ+ legal cases.
Annette Bening, whose eldest child is trans, began the discussion by expressing her concerns about the prevailing fear and misunderstanding, particularly within political circles and conversations surrounding trans individuals. She finds this state of affairs harmful and unjust. Although she can’t fully comprehend being trans herself, she has experienced parenthood and appreciates it immensely as it has broadened her perspective, enriched her understanding of the world, and profoundly impacted her personal growth in ways she never anticipated.
As a supportive parent or ally, I can confidently state that there’s no cause for fear when dealing with a child who identifies as transgender or is questioning their gender identity. What these children, along with their families, require is understanding, love, resources, counseling, and medical care if needed. It doesn’t have to be intricate.
At the panel discussion, Mau praised Richard Gadd, the creator and lead of ‘Baby Reindeer’, for being supportive in a manner she hadn’t experienced from a cisgender man towards a transgender woman before. She expressed, “Love and understanding can be found between us. It’s amazing to see this portrayed, and I believe it has encouraged people worldwide to reconsider their relationships with trans women.
Smith, one of the scarce trans actors on network TV, recognized the significance of his role, stating, “Being in this position, I have the opportunity to portray a character that will be seen in the homes of people living in rural and middle American areas who may not know any trans individuals. Therefore, if I’m their only encounter with a trans person, I strive to be as genuine and truthful as possible.” Rodriguez further emphasized about the trans community, “We are multi-dimensional, and the most powerful thing we can do is collaborate and unite. That’s how change is made.
After the panel concluded, THR’s co-editor-in-chief Maer Roshan then introduced Kumail Nanjiani, who graced the stage to deliver the closing keynote. Without further ado, Nanjiani expressed his gratitude towards Spago and chef Wolfgang Puck for catering to his feline diet, a nod to Donald Trump’s debate comments about immigrants consuming pets on Tuesday.
The humorist playfully commented that his brief seven-minute address could tackle Hollywood’s diversity issues. He further pondered why those of diverse backgrounds are often tasked with resolving it, suggesting a more balanced approach. “In the future,” he proposed, “there should only be two individuals involved: one, like myself, advocating for diversity and multifaceted perspectives; the other, a white individual, attentively listening and taking notes.” He emphasized that while many are speaking up, those in power must actively listen to these voices as well.
Nanjiani went on to say, “It’s true that greater diversity both on and off screen is beneficial for society overall. However, I worry that this fact alone might not motivate the three companies that control this town. So let me put it another way: having diverse casts and crews boosts profits. It improves your financial standing. It will increase your earnings.” He also urged people of color to seek roles in stories that aren’t solely focused on their cultural backgrounds.
When it comes to diversity on screen, you might wonder, ‘How can an audience connect with someone who doesn’t resemble them?’ However, I’ve been doing this my entire career. For years, I’ve watched movies starring white actors, pretending to be them, if you will. As a humorous example, consider Arnold Schwarzenegger – one of the greatest movie stars ever. Does his audience consist only of six-foot-two giants who can lift 500 pounds and convincingly sound like they just arrived from Austria today?
In a recent conversation, the star of The Big Sick emphasized the importance of offering more intricate roles for individuals of diverse backgrounds. He expressed his desire to portray villainous characters, stating, “I want to play a bad guy.” When people question this choice, saying it could send a negative message, he clarified, “The message it’s conveying is that we are just like everyone else: we are complex. We can be virtuous and vile, intelligent and dangerous, passionate gamers and heroic figures and divorced individuals and family-oriented people. And some of us are good, while yes, some of us are bad, because we are human beings.
wrapping up, Nanjiani expressed, “We’re not demanding that every character in every film or series reflects diverse representation; we simply ask for inclusion rather than exclusion. Aim to create media that mirrors our world. That’s the essence of our request.
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2024-09-12 06:26