As a seasoned gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the worlds of various video games, I can’t help but draw parallels between our shared passion for storytelling and the empowering event that took place at the 2024 WIF Honors. The strength, resilience, and collaboration displayed by these remarkable women in the entertainment industry are a testament to the power of collective effort and the impact it can have on shaping culture for the better.
2024 WIF Honors were held on Thursday, where Women In Film recognized numerous women from the entertainment sector.
Each year, an event taking place at The Beverly Hilton serves as a fundraiser for the organization’s educational and charitable initiatives. This glamorous gathering bestowed five awards during the course of the night, all under the motif “The Strength in Unity.” The honorees were industry trailblazers who exemplify the impact that collaboration, diversity, and inspiring narratives can have on shaping culture positively, as stated in a press release.
Annette Bening was the first to be honored this evening, receiving the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award which was presented by none other than Jane Fonda herself. Speaking to the audience about Bening, Fonda shared, “In recent years, I’ve found myself captivated by interviews with Annette. I always make sure not to miss them, particularly when she discusses her art, as there’s always something enlightening to gain.
She went on to express, emphasizing her role as the chair of the Entertainment Community Fund, she had come to appreciate her colleague’s empathy and generosity. Bening then thanked Fonda before delving into current issues. “We were the first generation to fully enjoy reproductive freedoms,” Bening stated.
During my high school years, a group of us would secretly visit Planned Parenthood clinics to obtain birth control, and on occasion, undergo abortions,” she stated. “My two daughters represent the first generation whose constitutional right has been rescinded.
As a passionate admirer, I had the privilege to listen to Kate Winslet and esteemed director Ellen Kuras, who were honored with the Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film. In an engaging conversation, they discussed the prospects for women within the film industry, focusing on their remarkable work, the film titled “Lee” about the life of war photographer Lee Miller.
Experiencing the camaraderie of numerous women in the movie industry is truly impactful. After a grueling day that began at 3:30 a.m., pursuing the elusive light without a lunch break, it’s heartening to conclude such a day knowing every drop of sweat and tear was fueled by female determination. That set, where women rally together, is where I want to be.
Kerry Washington was the recipient of the Entrepreneur in Entertainment Award during the event last night. She shared her reasons for taking on roles beyond acting: “I find joy in producing and directing because I’m a team player at heart,” she expressed. “I thrive when working as part of a group, rather than being a solitary artist.
Michelle Buteau and Danielle Sanchez-Witzel received The Crystal Award for Advocacy in TV for their Netflix series “Survival of the Thickest.” In a chat, they discussed power and their collaboration. Buteau shared, “On set, you get to see many people who’ve been to therapy, and discussions about what our therapists told us often arise. Somebody once said, ‘People will understand you as deeply as they understand themselves.’
She went on, ‘That’s true power.’ However, I find myself saying, ‘You need to gather your own strength before helping others.’
Joey King received the Max Mara Face of Tomorrow Honor. At 25 years old, she addressed the audience, sharing tales from her long acting journey and expressing gratitude towards the influential ladies in her life during her heartfelt speech.
King shared that she’s been dedicated to her chosen profession since she was young, achieving success in her lifelong goal. However, there were times when she felt she didn’t measure up. She explained this sense of inadequacy stemmed from a desire to be part of things rather than feeling inherently worthy. At 19 or 20 years old, she found greater tranquility. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but she felt less compelled to seek validation and more focused on the contentment and self-worth that was already within her and her surroundings.
One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement by outgoing WIF board president Amy Baer, whose term is coming to an end, that Syrinthia Studer, the current executive vice president of the WIF board, will assume the role in 2025. “I’m delighted to hand over the reins to such an exceptional woman, leader and friend,” Baer expressed, emphasizing Studer’s impressive career accomplishments. “She has a visionary, ambitious and inspiring plan for WIF in 2025 and beyond.
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2024-10-26 09:24