Danielle Brooks and Jeffrey Wright were among the Academy Award nominees who stepped out for the 2024 Women in Film Oscar Nominees Party!
The Best Supporting Actress nom and the Best Actor nom joined a bunch of celebs at the event on Friday night (March 8) at Catch Steak in Los Angeles.
Other nominees in attendance included Past Lives director and screenwriter Celine Song and Flamin’ Hot‘s “The Fire Inside” songwriter Diane Warren, who was joined by the film’s producer Eva Longoria.
Celebs who supported the nominees included Lili Reinhart, Kathryn Newton, Abigail Spencer and many more.
Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer talked about fighting for equality in Hollywood during her speech at the event.
“New reports from UCLA, USC and Reframe released in the past few weeks illuminate the backslide of representation in front of and behind the camera. That, combined with a cultural and political backlash women, transgender people...
The Best Supporting Actress nom and the Best Actor nom joined a bunch of celebs at the event on Friday night (March 8) at Catch Steak in Los Angeles.
Other nominees in attendance included Past Lives director and screenwriter Celine Song and Flamin’ Hot‘s “The Fire Inside” songwriter Diane Warren, who was joined by the film’s producer Eva Longoria.
Celebs who supported the nominees included Lili Reinhart, Kathryn Newton, Abigail Spencer and many more.
Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer talked about fighting for equality in Hollywood during her speech at the event.
“New reports from UCLA, USC and Reframe released in the past few weeks illuminate the backslide of representation in front of and behind the camera. That, combined with a cultural and political backlash women, transgender people...
- 3/9/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
The stage at the 17th Annual Women in Film Oscar Nominees was scarcely big enough for the impressive show of sisterhood on display.
The event, which celebrates the women, nonbinary and trans people nominated at the Academy Awards, coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8.
When Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer invited dozens of honorees to join her on the stage, they crammed in, shoulder-to-shoulder on the tiny platform at L.A.’s Catch Steak.
Among the small army on stage were “The Color Purple” star Danielle Brooks, “Past Lives” writer-director Celine Song, “The Fire Inside” songwriter Diane Warren and many others. Other attendees included “Lisa Frankenstein star Kathryn Newton, “Riverdale” alum Lili Reinhart and “Flamin’ Hot” director Eva Longoria.
During her toast, Schaffer stressed the importance of continuing to fight for equality in the industry. “New reports from UCLA, USC and Reframe released in the past few weeks illuminate...
The event, which celebrates the women, nonbinary and trans people nominated at the Academy Awards, coincided with International Women’s Day on March 8.
When Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer invited dozens of honorees to join her on the stage, they crammed in, shoulder-to-shoulder on the tiny platform at L.A.’s Catch Steak.
Among the small army on stage were “The Color Purple” star Danielle Brooks, “Past Lives” writer-director Celine Song, “The Fire Inside” songwriter Diane Warren and many others. Other attendees included “Lisa Frankenstein star Kathryn Newton, “Riverdale” alum Lili Reinhart and “Flamin’ Hot” director Eva Longoria.
During her toast, Schaffer stressed the importance of continuing to fight for equality in the industry. “New reports from UCLA, USC and Reframe released in the past few weeks illuminate...
- 3/9/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Broken English Productions, a subsidiary of Grandave Capital, is partnering with Women In Film on a new initiative to showcase and empower the talents of three new women filmmakers through the production of three short films. The initiative is led by Broken English Productions CEO Jolene Rodriguez
To compete for one of the top three finalist positions, you must be a first time filmmaker and have an original script that’s less than 15 pages ready to submit via this link by midnight Pt on February 9, 2024. Three winners will receive a $30k grant each to produce a short film along with individualized mentorship and industry networking opportunities. Completed films from the filmmakers will be submitted to various film festivals and will also have an industry screening.
Data from the 2019 Cannes Film Festival revealed that only 25% of films in the official selection were directed by women. According to a study conducted...
To compete for one of the top three finalist positions, you must be a first time filmmaker and have an original script that’s less than 15 pages ready to submit via this link by midnight Pt on February 9, 2024. Three winners will receive a $30k grant each to produce a short film along with individualized mentorship and industry networking opportunities. Completed films from the filmmakers will be submitted to various film festivals and will also have an industry screening.
Data from the 2019 Cannes Film Festival revealed that only 25% of films in the official selection were directed by women. According to a study conducted...
- 1/23/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Greta Lee and Yara Shahidi are among those whose work will be celebrated at the 2023 Women in Film Honors.
A total of six honorees — including screenwriter and producer Linda Yvette Chávez and director, playwright and screenwriter Celine Song — were announced as the recipients of the annual awards on Thursday.
“The work of this year’s honorees exemplifies outstanding creative vision and the change Wif has worked to create in its 50 years as an organization. Our industry is better because of these women and their commitment to spurring lasting impact in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the scenes,” said Monica Levinson and Talitha Watkins, co-chairs of the Wif Honors Committee.
Longoria and Chávez will receive the Crystal Award for Advocacy for their collaboration on Flamin’ Hot, while Lee and Song will also be awarded with the Crystal Award for Advocacy for their collaborative work on Past Lives.
A total of six honorees — including screenwriter and producer Linda Yvette Chávez and director, playwright and screenwriter Celine Song — were announced as the recipients of the annual awards on Thursday.
“The work of this year’s honorees exemplifies outstanding creative vision and the change Wif has worked to create in its 50 years as an organization. Our industry is better because of these women and their commitment to spurring lasting impact in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the scenes,” said Monica Levinson and Talitha Watkins, co-chairs of the Wif Honors Committee.
Longoria and Chávez will receive the Crystal Award for Advocacy for their collaboration on Flamin’ Hot, while Lee and Song will also be awarded with the Crystal Award for Advocacy for their collaborative work on Past Lives.
- 10/26/2023
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The annual Women in Film (Wif) Honors have unveiled its 2023 recipients.
This year’s awards, which celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization, will honor “Flamin’ Hot” producers Eva Longoria and Linda Yvette Chávez with the Crystal Award for Advocacy, as well as “Past Lives” filmmaker Celine Song and actress Greta Lee. The coveted Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award will go to “Barbie” actress America Ferrera, with Fonda presenting the award in-person.
“Grown-ish” actress Yara Shahidi has been named the recipient of the Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award, as previously announced.
The awards will take place November 30 in Los Angeles, with proceeds benefitting the educational and philanthropic programs at Wif as well as the advocacy for gender parity throughout the entertainment industry.
Per the official press statement, the Crystal Award for Advocacy honors outstanding individuals and groups of women who are creating increased opportunities for the advancement of...
This year’s awards, which celebrate the 50th anniversary of the organization, will honor “Flamin’ Hot” producers Eva Longoria and Linda Yvette Chávez with the Crystal Award for Advocacy, as well as “Past Lives” filmmaker Celine Song and actress Greta Lee. The coveted Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award will go to “Barbie” actress America Ferrera, with Fonda presenting the award in-person.
“Grown-ish” actress Yara Shahidi has been named the recipient of the Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award, as previously announced.
The awards will take place November 30 in Los Angeles, with proceeds benefitting the educational and philanthropic programs at Wif as well as the advocacy for gender parity throughout the entertainment industry.
Per the official press statement, the Crystal Award for Advocacy honors outstanding individuals and groups of women who are creating increased opportunities for the advancement of...
- 10/26/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Greta Lee, America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Celine Song, Linda Yvette Chávez and Yara Shahidi are among the awardees of the 2023 Women in Film Honors, the organization announced Thursday.
During this year’s annual benefit, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30 in Los Angeles, the honorees will be recognized for their work advocating and fighting for gender equity in Hollywood. As Women in Film celebrates its 50th year, proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s educational and philanthropic programs as they work towards gender parity in the entertainment industry.
“Past Lives” actor Lee and writer and director Song, who made her directorial debut as she centered an immigrant story, will receive the Crystal Award for Advocacy, which honors outstanding individuals and groups of women who are creating increased opportunities for the advancement of women working throughout the screen industries, per the organization.
Similarly, “Flamin’ Hot” collaborators Longoria and...
During this year’s annual benefit, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30 in Los Angeles, the honorees will be recognized for their work advocating and fighting for gender equity in Hollywood. As Women in Film celebrates its 50th year, proceeds from the event will benefit the organization’s educational and philanthropic programs as they work towards gender parity in the entertainment industry.
“Past Lives” actor Lee and writer and director Song, who made her directorial debut as she centered an immigrant story, will receive the Crystal Award for Advocacy, which honors outstanding individuals and groups of women who are creating increased opportunities for the advancement of women working throughout the screen industries, per the organization.
Similarly, “Flamin’ Hot” collaborators Longoria and...
- 10/26/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, Greta Lee, Yara Shahidi, Celine Song and Linda Yvette Chávez will be feted at the 2023 Wif Honors.
The annual benefit will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, in Los Angeles, as Wif, celebrates 50 years of working for gender equity in Hollywood. There, Jane Fonda will present Ferrera with the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award, while the filmmaking duos of Longoria and Chávez (“Flamin’ Hot”) and Lee and Song (“Past Lives”) accept the Crystal Award for Advocacy. Shahidi is set to be honored with the Max Mara Face of the Future Award.
“The work of this year’s honorees exemplifies outstanding creative vision and the change Wif has worked to create in its 50 years as an organization,” said Wif Honors committee co-chairs Monica Levinson and Talitha Watkins. “Our industry is better because of these women and their commitment to spurring lasting impact in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the scenes.
The annual benefit will be held on Thursday, Nov. 30, in Los Angeles, as Wif, celebrates 50 years of working for gender equity in Hollywood. There, Jane Fonda will present Ferrera with the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award, while the filmmaking duos of Longoria and Chávez (“Flamin’ Hot”) and Lee and Song (“Past Lives”) accept the Crystal Award for Advocacy. Shahidi is set to be honored with the Max Mara Face of the Future Award.
“The work of this year’s honorees exemplifies outstanding creative vision and the change Wif has worked to create in its 50 years as an organization,” said Wif Honors committee co-chairs Monica Levinson and Talitha Watkins. “Our industry is better because of these women and their commitment to spurring lasting impact in Hollywood, both in front of and behind the scenes.
- 10/26/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Sexual abuse and harassment of employees remains pervasive in Hollywood, but progress has been made, says a survey by Wif (formerly known as Women in Film).
The polling was completed last month to coincide with the sixth anniversary of The New York Times’ exposé on Harvey Weinstein that ignited the #MeToo movement and revealed abuse and assault were endemic in Hollywood’s toxic workplace culture.
“Six years ago, our industry was forced to reckon with its failures and abuses. To provide resources and support to those impacted, Wif launched the Help Line. While we’ve seen improvement in the industry in the years since, there’s no denying discrimination, harassment and other misconduct still run rampant,” Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer said in a statement.
The latest Wif survey found 59 percent of respondents agreed the culture around sexual abuse, harassment and misconduct in Hollywood workplaces had improved in the year since...
The polling was completed last month to coincide with the sixth anniversary of The New York Times’ exposé on Harvey Weinstein that ignited the #MeToo movement and revealed abuse and assault were endemic in Hollywood’s toxic workplace culture.
“Six years ago, our industry was forced to reckon with its failures and abuses. To provide resources and support to those impacted, Wif launched the Help Line. While we’ve seen improvement in the industry in the years since, there’s no denying discrimination, harassment and other misconduct still run rampant,” Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer said in a statement.
The latest Wif survey found 59 percent of respondents agreed the culture around sexual abuse, harassment and misconduct in Hollywood workplaces had improved in the year since...
- 10/5/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Yara Shahidi has a date with Women in Film.
The actress and activist, best known as the star of Black-ish and Grown-ish, has been selected as the 18th recipient of the Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award at the organization’s Wif honors in Los Angeles on Nov. 30. In conjunction with the honor, Shahidi is currently in Milan, Italy, where she’s meeting with the Maramotti family and attending the Max Mara spring/summer 2024 fashion show.
Per the organization, the Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award is given to “an actress who is experiencing a turning point in her career through her work in the film and television industries, through her contributions to the community at large, in recognition of her outstanding achievements, and her embodiment of style and grace.” Lili Reinhart, Zazie Beetz, Gemma Chan, Elizabeth Debicki, Alexandra Shipp, Zoey Deutch, Natalie Dormer, Kate Mara,...
The actress and activist, best known as the star of Black-ish and Grown-ish, has been selected as the 18th recipient of the Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award at the organization’s Wif honors in Los Angeles on Nov. 30. In conjunction with the honor, Shahidi is currently in Milan, Italy, where she’s meeting with the Maramotti family and attending the Max Mara spring/summer 2024 fashion show.
Per the organization, the Wif Max Mara Face of the Future Award is given to “an actress who is experiencing a turning point in her career through her work in the film and television industries, through her contributions to the community at large, in recognition of her outstanding achievements, and her embodiment of style and grace.” Lili Reinhart, Zazie Beetz, Gemma Chan, Elizabeth Debicki, Alexandra Shipp, Zoey Deutch, Natalie Dormer, Kate Mara,...
- 9/21/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lily Tomlin, Gloria Allred, Marta Kauffman and top creatives called for entertainment companies to enact stronger health and safety protections for employees working in states that have banned or criminalized abortion at a reproductive health care-themed picket in front of Amazon Studios on Friday.
“Our message to the studios is this: It’s not acceptable to wait until someone dies to take this seriously. It is not acceptable to force people who are pregnant or could get pregnant to have to choose between their jobs and their lives,” said writer-producer Cindy Chupack (Fleishman Is in Trouble, Sex and the City) in a speech at the event in front of the white columns of Culver Studios. “And Amazon, maybe instead of figuring out how drones can safely fly our packages to our door, you could figure out how a medevac could safely fly our crewmembers to a hospital.”
Added Women in...
“Our message to the studios is this: It’s not acceptable to wait until someone dies to take this seriously. It is not acceptable to force people who are pregnant or could get pregnant to have to choose between their jobs and their lives,” said writer-producer Cindy Chupack (Fleishman Is in Trouble, Sex and the City) in a speech at the event in front of the white columns of Culver Studios. “And Amazon, maybe instead of figuring out how drones can safely fly our packages to our door, you could figure out how a medevac could safely fly our crewmembers to a hospital.”
Added Women in...
- 6/23/2023
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Women in Film will commemorate the nonprofit organization’s 50th anniversary with a screening series spotlighting pivotal television or feature films made by women in the last half century.
The screening series, which will celebrate women and people of underrepresented genders working in front of and behind the camera, will kick off with a screening of “Norma Rae,” taking place on Friday, June 29, at Vidiots in Los Angeles.
Following the screening, Sally Field, the star of the 1979 classic, and producers Tamara Asseyev and Alexandra Rose will participate in a panel discussion on the film’s sustained impact throughout the years. Wif board member and actress, writer and director Lake Bell, who also serves as the chair of Wif’s 50th anniversary committee, has been selected to moderate the conversation.
Also Read:
Angela Bassett Remembers Casting Taye Diggs for ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back': ‘He Had to Fulfill the...
The screening series, which will celebrate women and people of underrepresented genders working in front of and behind the camera, will kick off with a screening of “Norma Rae,” taking place on Friday, June 29, at Vidiots in Los Angeles.
Following the screening, Sally Field, the star of the 1979 classic, and producers Tamara Asseyev and Alexandra Rose will participate in a panel discussion on the film’s sustained impact throughout the years. Wif board member and actress, writer and director Lake Bell, who also serves as the chair of Wif’s 50th anniversary committee, has been selected to moderate the conversation.
Also Read:
Angela Bassett Remembers Casting Taye Diggs for ‘How Stella Got Her Groove Back': ‘He Had to Fulfill the...
- 6/20/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Women in Film, Los Angeles said Monday that it is launching a screening series to celebrate the nonprofit organization’s 50th anniversary, and has picked a timely movie to kick it off.
The series will kick off June 29 with the 1979 film Norma Rae starring Sally Field, who won the Oscar for her role as a single mom and factory worker who fights to unionize her workplace despite the dangers involved. The screening, taking place at Vidiots in Los Angeles, will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Field and Norma Rae producers Tamara Asseyev and Alexandra Rose and moderated by Lake Bell, a Wif board member and chair of Wif’s 50th Anniversary Committee.
The news comes as the Writers Guild enters its eighth week of a strike and SAG-AFTRA is currently in contract talks with the Hollywood studios over new film and TV contracts.
Wif, founded in 1973 to work...
The series will kick off June 29 with the 1979 film Norma Rae starring Sally Field, who won the Oscar for her role as a single mom and factory worker who fights to unionize her workplace despite the dangers involved. The screening, taking place at Vidiots in Los Angeles, will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Field and Norma Rae producers Tamara Asseyev and Alexandra Rose and moderated by Lake Bell, a Wif board member and chair of Wif’s 50th Anniversary Committee.
The news comes as the Writers Guild enters its eighth week of a strike and SAG-AFTRA is currently in contract talks with the Hollywood studios over new film and TV contracts.
Wif, founded in 1973 to work...
- 6/20/2023
- by Patrick Hipes
- Deadline Film + TV
As the WGA strike continues on, a fund is being relaunched to aid support staff, like writers’ room assistants and production assistants, affected by the continued work stoppage.
TV writer and producer Liz Hsiao Lan Alper’s Pay Up Hollywood, which has long advocated for the financial needs of support staff, is relaunching its Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund. The fund was originally launched at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to aid support staff, who are often at the very beginning of their careers, with help in the wake of shuttered sets and writers’ rooms. That effort resulted in $500,000 of aid.
Led by Alper, a Writers Guild of America West board member, and support staffer Alex Rubin, the fund is being launched in collaboration with Entertainment Community Fund and Women In Film, the latter of which donated $10,000 to the fund. According to today’s announcement, the fund will provide...
TV writer and producer Liz Hsiao Lan Alper’s Pay Up Hollywood, which has long advocated for the financial needs of support staff, is relaunching its Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund. The fund was originally launched at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic to aid support staff, who are often at the very beginning of their careers, with help in the wake of shuttered sets and writers’ rooms. That effort resulted in $500,000 of aid.
Led by Alper, a Writers Guild of America West board member, and support staffer Alex Rubin, the fund is being launched in collaboration with Entertainment Community Fund and Women In Film, the latter of which donated $10,000 to the fund. According to today’s announcement, the fund will provide...
- 6/7/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
#PayUpHollywood, the organization founded in 2019 to promote pay equity for Hollywood’s assistants, said Wednesday that it has relaunched its Hollywood Support Staff Relief Fund as a permanent emergency fund to aid film and TV support staff impacted by the ongoing Writers Guild strike and any other industry work stoppages in the future.
In collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund – formerly the Actors Fund of America – and Women in Film, the relief fund, which is led by WGA West board member Liz Hsiao Lan Alper and support staffer Alex Rubin, will provide onetime grants to assistants and support staff who have less than three years of industry experience and have lost employment due to an industry work stoppage.
Debuting in its relaunch with a $10,000 donation from Wif, the relief fund was originally created in March of 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic and provided more than $500,000 in aid to support staffers in need.
In collaboration with the Entertainment Community Fund – formerly the Actors Fund of America – and Women in Film, the relief fund, which is led by WGA West board member Liz Hsiao Lan Alper and support staffer Alex Rubin, will provide onetime grants to assistants and support staff who have less than three years of industry experience and have lost employment due to an industry work stoppage.
Debuting in its relaunch with a $10,000 donation from Wif, the relief fund was originally created in March of 2020 in response to the Covid pandemic and provided more than $500,000 in aid to support staffers in need.
- 6/7/2023
- by David Robb
- Deadline Film + TV
A force of nature, Tichi Wilkerson became the publisher and editor of The Hollywood Reporter after her husband, Billy Wilkerson, died in 1962. Yet no matter how prominent her position, the publisher, who was of Mexican heritage, felt isolated professionally from Hollywood with its men’s clubs and associations, according to Mollie Gregory’s 2002 book, Women Who Run the Show. In 1973, Wilkerson formed the advocacy group Women in Film.
Wilkerson ran a front-page editorial in THR introducing readers to Wif, stating that Hollywood was more prejudiced against women than anyone cared to admit. “Now is the time to verify our reputation as an equal-opportunity industry by opening the doors wider to an ever-increasing group of talented female filmmakers,” the op-ed said. “They do need a chance to be seen and heard.”
Wilkerson had been flooded with calls when reading a story in her own paper revealing that barely 1 percent of TV scripts were written by women.
Wilkerson ran a front-page editorial in THR introducing readers to Wif, stating that Hollywood was more prejudiced against women than anyone cared to admit. “Now is the time to verify our reputation as an equal-opportunity industry by opening the doors wider to an ever-increasing group of talented female filmmakers,” the op-ed said. “They do need a chance to be seen and heard.”
Wilkerson had been flooded with calls when reading a story in her own paper revealing that barely 1 percent of TV scripts were written by women.
- 5/31/2023
- by Nekesa Mumbi Moody and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Since 2008, Marvel Studios has been the very model of a modern mini studio.
Chief creative officer Kevin Feige and his small stable of executives have reliably delivered an unbroken string of global blockbusters to theaters and, starting in 2021, smash TV shows for Disney+. And they’ve done so while keeping virtually all their behind-the-scenes drama from spilling over into public view.
It took just a week for that impeccable reputation to all but collapse, when Disney, Marvel’s parent company, fired Feige’s most high-profile lieutenant, Victoria Alonso, after 17 years with the company, most recently as the president of physical, postproduction, visual effects and animation.
“She’s always been a huge part of Marvel,” former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) told Variety on March 26. “I was very surprised to see the news. I hope that all gets worked out, that everyone ends up friends. It’s...
Chief creative officer Kevin Feige and his small stable of executives have reliably delivered an unbroken string of global blockbusters to theaters and, starting in 2021, smash TV shows for Disney+. And they’ve done so while keeping virtually all their behind-the-scenes drama from spilling over into public view.
It took just a week for that impeccable reputation to all but collapse, when Disney, Marvel’s parent company, fired Feige’s most high-profile lieutenant, Victoria Alonso, after 17 years with the company, most recently as the president of physical, postproduction, visual effects and animation.
“She’s always been a huge part of Marvel,” former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham (“Guardians of the Galaxy”) told Variety on March 26. “I was very surprised to see the news. I hope that all gets worked out, that everyone ends up friends. It’s...
- 3/28/2023
- by Adam B. Vary and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Wif kicked off Oscar weekend with its highly-anticipated cocktail party presented by sponsors Johnnie Walker, Max Mara, and Mercedes-Benz.
Malala Yousafzai attends the 16th Annual Wif Oscar® Party Presented By Johnnie Walker, Max Mara, And Mercedes-Benz
Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Wif
The party honored all 65 women, in front of and behind the camera, who have been nominated for an Academy Award this year, and is the only event throughout awards season that celebrates all the women nominated for Oscars. Since 2007, the annual event has celebrated the belief that collaboration between women, behind and in front of the camera, is the best way to ensure more films are made by and for women. Co-hosted by Oscar-winning producer and Wif Board President Emerita Cathy Schulman, Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin and director and Oscar®-winning screenwriter Siân Heder, the event was held at NeueHouse Hollywood.
Nominated attendees included Anne Alvergue,...
Malala Yousafzai attends the 16th Annual Wif Oscar® Party Presented By Johnnie Walker, Max Mara, And Mercedes-Benz
Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Wif
The party honored all 65 women, in front of and behind the camera, who have been nominated for an Academy Award this year, and is the only event throughout awards season that celebrates all the women nominated for Oscars. Since 2007, the annual event has celebrated the belief that collaboration between women, behind and in front of the camera, is the best way to ensure more films are made by and for women. Co-hosted by Oscar-winning producer and Wif Board President Emerita Cathy Schulman, Oscar-winning actor Marlee Matlin and director and Oscar®-winning screenwriter Siân Heder, the event was held at NeueHouse Hollywood.
Nominated attendees included Anne Alvergue,...
- 3/15/2023
- Look to the Stars
The Independent Spirit Awards became the latest awards show to hand out trophies in gender-neutral acting categories on Saturday.
At the celebration of independent film and TV in Santa Monica, three women and one man won in the lead and supporting acting categories, which combined the previous best actor/actress and supporting actor/actress honors. Each category featured 10 nominees.
One of this year’s acting winners, Quinta Brunson, who won for best lead performance in a new scripted series for Abbott Elementary, said during her acceptance speech that she was into the gender-neutral category.
“It’s kind of tight, in there with your peers,” she said.
After the Spirit Awards announced it was doing away with the gender-specific categories, there was some concern expressed that women might be hurt by this move, with men perhaps dominating the winners in the combined categories.
“That was certainly discussed,” Film Independent president Josh Welsh...
At the celebration of independent film and TV in Santa Monica, three women and one man won in the lead and supporting acting categories, which combined the previous best actor/actress and supporting actor/actress honors. Each category featured 10 nominees.
One of this year’s acting winners, Quinta Brunson, who won for best lead performance in a new scripted series for Abbott Elementary, said during her acceptance speech that she was into the gender-neutral category.
“It’s kind of tight, in there with your peers,” she said.
After the Spirit Awards announced it was doing away with the gender-specific categories, there was some concern expressed that women might be hurt by this move, with men perhaps dominating the winners in the combined categories.
“That was certainly discussed,” Film Independent president Josh Welsh...
- 3/5/2023
- by Christy Piña and Hilary Lewis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Irish academic Susan Liddy has been elected as the new president of Women in Film and Television International (Wifti), replacing Swedish producer Helene Granqvist who has been in the role since 2018.
Founded in 1997, Wifti has led the way in advocating for better representation and conditions for women working in the screen industries. The umbrella body encompasses 50 Wift and Wift partner chapters worldwide.
Liddy is a lecturer at the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Limerick. She is also on the board of the Irish Film Institute, the Writers Guild of Ireland and Raising Films Ireland, the body set up to help parents and carers working in the screen sectors.
Her research papers have included Women in the Irish Film Industry: Stories and Storytellers (2020); Women in the International Film Industry: Policy, Practice and Power; (2020) and Media Work, Mothers and Motherhood: Negotiating the International Audio-Visual Industry (2021).
She has...
Founded in 1997, Wifti has led the way in advocating for better representation and conditions for women working in the screen industries. The umbrella body encompasses 50 Wift and Wift partner chapters worldwide.
Liddy is a lecturer at the Department of Media and Communication Studies at the University of Limerick. She is also on the board of the Irish Film Institute, the Writers Guild of Ireland and Raising Films Ireland, the body set up to help parents and carers working in the screen sectors.
Her research papers have included Women in the Irish Film Industry: Stories and Storytellers (2020); Women in the International Film Industry: Policy, Practice and Power; (2020) and Media Work, Mothers and Motherhood: Negotiating the International Audio-Visual Industry (2021).
She has...
- 11/21/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Last week, Wif celebrated outstanding women who are laying the foundation to transform Hollywood for the better, with the 2022 Wif Honors Celebrating Women “Forging Forward” in Entertainment supported by sponsor Max Mara for the 19th year, alongside Visionary Partners ShivHans Pictures and Lexus and Major Partner Starz.
Olivia Wilde and Katie Silberman speak onstage during the Wif Honors: Forging Forward Gala
Credit/Copyright: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Wif
The annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity throughout the industry. Over 75,000 was donated at the event, including a 25,000 donation from NBCUniversal, for the Wif Help Line, which was established in 2017 to offer resources and support, to anyone who has experienced harassment, abuse, or discrimination while working in the entertainment industry. The evening, hosted by actor Da’Vine Joy Randolph, was held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
This year’s Wif Honors...
Olivia Wilde and Katie Silberman speak onstage during the Wif Honors: Forging Forward Gala
Credit/Copyright: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Wif
The annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity throughout the industry. Over 75,000 was donated at the event, including a 25,000 donation from NBCUniversal, for the Wif Help Line, which was established in 2017 to offer resources and support, to anyone who has experienced harassment, abuse, or discrimination while working in the entertainment industry. The evening, hosted by actor Da’Vine Joy Randolph, was held at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills.
This year’s Wif Honors...
- 11/2/2022
- Look to the Stars
Painful pasts and the path forward were central to the 2022 Wif Honors last Thursday. Held at a ballroom bathed in magenta at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles, the annual event honors the accomplishments of women in the entertainment industry. This year, honorees included "Abbott Elementary" creator Quinta Brunson, "The Woman King" director Gina Prince-Bythewood, and "Don't Worry Darling" director Olivia Wilde.
The ceremony began how all ceremonies should: with Jane Fonda. The veteran actor, who last month disclosed her cancer diagnosis, was met with a standing ovation. Fonda was there to present the second-ever Humanitarian Award, named in her honor, to Michaela Coel, whom she described as a "boundary-pushing" artist who "makes us think about hard stuff in new ways." Fonda personally picked Coel and was an early champion of her seminal show "I May Destroy You."
Coel is currently on a marathon "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" press tour...
The ceremony began how all ceremonies should: with Jane Fonda. The veteran actor, who last month disclosed her cancer diagnosis, was met with a standing ovation. Fonda was there to present the second-ever Humanitarian Award, named in her honor, to Michaela Coel, whom she described as a "boundary-pushing" artist who "makes us think about hard stuff in new ways." Fonda personally picked Coel and was an early champion of her seminal show "I May Destroy You."
Coel is currently on a marathon "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" press tour...
- 11/1/2022
- by Kelsey Garcia
- Popsugar.com
At the 2022 Women in Film (Wif) Honors Celebrating Women “Forging Forward” in Entertainment, the audience inside The Beverly Hilton was reminded by speakers like Viola Davis, Olivia Wilde, and Sheryl Lee Ralph of how Hollywood has both evolved and remained the same since movements like #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite.
The event was held by Women in Film, Los Angeles, to raise money for the Help Line they established in 2017 to provide resources and support to anyone that has experienced harassment, abuse, or discrimination in the industry. Onstage, Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer said, “People often ask ‘Are people still calling? Have we ended harassment?’ Well, sadly, the answer’s no. Our call line has actually doubled in the last few months. Callers are experiencing harassment and discrimination on sets and offices, and they need support right now.” She also provided data on the help Wif has provided so far via the Help Line,...
The event was held by Women in Film, Los Angeles, to raise money for the Help Line they established in 2017 to provide resources and support to anyone that has experienced harassment, abuse, or discrimination in the industry. Onstage, Wif CEO Kirsten Schaffer said, “People often ask ‘Are people still calling? Have we ended harassment?’ Well, sadly, the answer’s no. Our call line has actually doubled in the last few months. Callers are experiencing harassment and discrimination on sets and offices, and they need support right now.” She also provided data on the help Wif has provided so far via the Help Line,...
- 10/28/2022
- by Marcus Jones
- Indiewire
The conversation has been ongoing for years, but only within the last few months have several awards bodies finally stepped up to make their acting categories gender neutral, abolishing decades of binary male-female views of acting and opening a door to performers who identify as nonbinary or trans and have felt invisible across the industry.
In August, the Film Independent Spirit Awards became one the most high-profile awards groups to join the trend, ditching separate Best Actor and Best Actress categories and combining them into one field populated with 10 actors. The move follows similar steps by the Gotham Awards in 2021 and the Canadian Screen Awards also in August. The TCA Awards kicked off the movement back as 1996, followed by the Grammys in 2012 (which eliminated gendered categories for performers), followed in recent years by the MTV Movie and TV Awards and the Berlin Film Festival.
For many, the question has simply...
In August, the Film Independent Spirit Awards became one the most high-profile awards groups to join the trend, ditching separate Best Actor and Best Actress categories and combining them into one field populated with 10 actors. The move follows similar steps by the Gotham Awards in 2021 and the Canadian Screen Awards also in August. The TCA Awards kicked off the movement back as 1996, followed by the Grammys in 2012 (which eliminated gendered categories for performers), followed in recent years by the MTV Movie and TV Awards and the Berlin Film Festival.
For many, the question has simply...
- 10/27/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Geena Davis is sharing her thoughts on the Independent Spirit Awards going gender-neutral for acting categories while also defending her 1995 film Cutthroat Island, stating that it “did not bring down” Carolco Pictures.
In a new interview with The New Yorker about her upcoming memoir, Dying of Politeness, the actress and founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media was asked about the Spirit Awards’ decision to combine its actress and actor honors into two 10-nominee categories — one for best actor and best supporting actor. It follows similar moves by the Gotham Awards, Grammys and others, with other craft categories at major award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Tonys and Film Independent Awards already gender-neutral.
While Davis acknowledged she hadn’t heard the news, she noted that “you’re losing half of the awards, which might not be desirable” and that the...
Geena Davis is sharing her thoughts on the Independent Spirit Awards going gender-neutral for acting categories while also defending her 1995 film Cutthroat Island, stating that it “did not bring down” Carolco Pictures.
In a new interview with The New Yorker about her upcoming memoir, Dying of Politeness, the actress and founder of the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media was asked about the Spirit Awards’ decision to combine its actress and actor honors into two 10-nominee categories — one for best actor and best supporting actor. It follows similar moves by the Gotham Awards, Grammys and others, with other craft categories at major award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Tonys and Film Independent Awards already gender-neutral.
While Davis acknowledged she hadn’t heard the news, she noted that “you’re losing half of the awards, which might not be desirable” and that the...
- 10/16/2022
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Chef and humanitarian José Andrés has joined TheGrill 2022 for a Spotlight Conversation about his work providing meals in crisis zones including Ukraine and Puerto Rico, as well as his recent foray into entertainment with an unscripted travel series, podcasts, and newsletter.
Earlier this year, Andrés and his remarkable non-profit World Central Kitchen were the subject of the Emmy-nominated Ron Howard documentary “We Feed People.” He also launched his own production company José Andrés Media (Jam) with an upcoming Discovery+ series along with the podcasts “Longer Tables” and “Pressure Cooker.
Other speakers just added to TheGrill conference taking place on October 11-12 in Los Angeles include actress-activist Jodie Sweetin, who will talk about Hollywood post-Roe; actress-podcaster Becca Tobin, who will talk about navigating between the screen and audible storytelling, and blockbuster producer Roy Lee who joins a panel on theatrical vs. streaming led by former IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster.
Also Read:
Kevin Mayer,...
Earlier this year, Andrés and his remarkable non-profit World Central Kitchen were the subject of the Emmy-nominated Ron Howard documentary “We Feed People.” He also launched his own production company José Andrés Media (Jam) with an upcoming Discovery+ series along with the podcasts “Longer Tables” and “Pressure Cooker.
Other speakers just added to TheGrill conference taking place on October 11-12 in Los Angeles include actress-activist Jodie Sweetin, who will talk about Hollywood post-Roe; actress-podcaster Becca Tobin, who will talk about navigating between the screen and audible storytelling, and blockbuster producer Roy Lee who joins a panel on theatrical vs. streaming led by former IMAX Entertainment CEO Greg Foster.
Also Read:
Kevin Mayer,...
- 9/22/2022
- by Emily Vogel
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Women in Film, Los Angeles has announced 2022’s honorees for its annual gala, this year celebrating Quinta Brunson, The Woman King director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Don’t Worry Darling director Olivia Wilde and writer Katie Silberman.
The Wif Honors, which will take place on Oct. 27 at the Beverly Hilton, will see the Crystal Award for Advocacy presented to all of the honorees, and feature Brunson in conversation with Abbott Elementary co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph, Prince-Bythewood presented by Viola Davis and Wilde and Silberman in a sit-down chat. The Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award, which debuted last year and was named for its inaugural recipient, will be presented by Fonda to Michaela Coel.
“In a year where the impact of regressive trends is being felt by entertainment industry workers
and people throughout our nation, Wif is honoring women who embody the tenacity it takes to
forge forward—in our careers,...
Women in Film, Los Angeles has announced 2022’s honorees for its annual gala, this year celebrating Quinta Brunson, The Woman King director Gina Prince-Bythewood and Don’t Worry Darling director Olivia Wilde and writer Katie Silberman.
The Wif Honors, which will take place on Oct. 27 at the Beverly Hilton, will see the Crystal Award for Advocacy presented to all of the honorees, and feature Brunson in conversation with Abbott Elementary co-star Sheryl Lee Ralph, Prince-Bythewood presented by Viola Davis and Wilde and Silberman in a sit-down chat. The Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award, which debuted last year and was named for its inaugural recipient, will be presented by Fonda to Michaela Coel.
“In a year where the impact of regressive trends is being felt by entertainment industry workers
and people throughout our nation, Wif is honoring women who embody the tenacity it takes to
forge forward—in our careers,...
- 9/14/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
Over half of entertainment industry support staffers that responded to a new survey made 40,000 or less in 2021, while over one quarter made less than 30,000.
The number of respondents who made 50,000 or less increased between 2020 and 2021, from 79.11 percent in 2020 to 91.05 percent in 2021, the latest annual pay and work conditions survey from advocacy organization #PayUpHollywood also finds. Five hundred and twenty-three support staffers — current or former assistants at studios, production and development companies, talent agencies and in production and postproduction departments — took part in the latest report, which was open between Nov. 16, 2021 and Jan. 1, 2022 and whose results were published on Thursday.
The survey highlights that, according to California Housing Partnership’s 2021 Affordable Housing Needs Report for Los Angeles County, renters need to earn more than 79,524 a year to avoid being “cost burdened,” or using more than 30 percent of their annual income on housing expenses. By this metric,...
Over half of entertainment industry support staffers that responded to a new survey made 40,000 or less in 2021, while over one quarter made less than 30,000.
The number of respondents who made 50,000 or less increased between 2020 and 2021, from 79.11 percent in 2020 to 91.05 percent in 2021, the latest annual pay and work conditions survey from advocacy organization #PayUpHollywood also finds. Five hundred and twenty-three support staffers — current or former assistants at studios, production and development companies, talent agencies and in production and postproduction departments — took part in the latest report, which was open between Nov. 16, 2021 and Jan. 1, 2022 and whose results were published on Thursday.
The survey highlights that, according to California Housing Partnership’s 2021 Affordable Housing Needs Report for Los Angeles County, renters need to earn more than 79,524 a year to avoid being “cost burdened,” or using more than 30 percent of their annual income on housing expenses. By this metric,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
The Independent Spirit Awards were the latest Hollywood voting body to go genderless with its awards, announcing on Aug. 23 that the best lead actress and best supporting actress awards were being retired forever.
Instead, there will be only “best lead performance” and “best supporting performance” awards handed out to a gender-diverse pool of 10 nominees in film and scripted series categories at the ceremony, scheduled for March 4, 2023.
To make up for the two eliminated categories, a new category, honoring a “breakthrough performance in film,” was added — for a total of seven total acting awards presented, down from eight previously.
This move follows similar ones made previously by the Grammys (which went genderless in 2012) and the Gotham Awards, which made a similar move in 2021.
“It’s something we’ve been discussing for a while,” says Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which mounts the Independent Spirit Awards.
The Independent Spirit Awards were the latest Hollywood voting body to go genderless with its awards, announcing on Aug. 23 that the best lead actress and best supporting actress awards were being retired forever.
Instead, there will be only “best lead performance” and “best supporting performance” awards handed out to a gender-diverse pool of 10 nominees in film and scripted series categories at the ceremony, scheduled for March 4, 2023.
To make up for the two eliminated categories, a new category, honoring a “breakthrough performance in film,” was added — for a total of seven total acting awards presented, down from eight previously.
This move follows similar ones made previously by the Grammys (which went genderless in 2012) and the Gotham Awards, which made a similar move in 2021.
“It’s something we’ve been discussing for a while,” says Josh Welsh, president of Film Independent, which mounts the Independent Spirit Awards.
- 8/30/2022
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
In 1982 — when L.A.’s LGBTQ film festival Outfest was born, the same year that Making Love, Personal Best and Victor/Victoria were released — queer content on screen was mostly scarce and what did exist was often hard to access.
Cut to the 40th anniversary this year of Outfest, and gay content is easy to find on television, especially on streamers, while on the film front, Universal this fall will release the first studio film with an all-lgbtq leading cast, Bros.
But even with a highly increased amount of queer content accessible from one’s couch and at the multiplex — “We have lots of choices in entertainment. It’s not just independent film [anymore],” says Outfest executive director Damien S. Navarro — L.A.’s queer film festival continues to hold a vibrant spot in the life of Los Angeles and its LGBTQ community and is finding...
In 1982 — when L.A.’s LGBTQ film festival Outfest was born, the same year that Making Love, Personal Best and Victor/Victoria were released — queer content on screen was mostly scarce and what did exist was often hard to access.
Cut to the 40th anniversary this year of Outfest, and gay content is easy to find on television, especially on streamers, while on the film front, Universal this fall will release the first studio film with an all-lgbtq leading cast, Bros.
But even with a highly increased amount of queer content accessible from one’s couch and at the multiplex — “We have lots of choices in entertainment. It’s not just independent film [anymore],” says Outfest executive director Damien S. Navarro — L.A.’s queer film festival continues to hold a vibrant spot in the life of Los Angeles and its LGBTQ community and is finding...
- 7/16/2022
- by Degen Pener
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Women in Film, the largest organization supporting equity for women in the entertainment industry on all levels, has compiled a list of abortion resources for workers in the field that will regularly be updated. Its CEO, Kirsten Schaffer, said in an interview with TheWrap that Wif has now turned its attention to people who live in states with so-called trigger bans in effect, helping to support travel costs associated with obtaining safe and legal abortions.
“We’re focused right now on ensuring that women and people who can get pregnant who are working in states that are outlawing or have outlawed abortion still have access to safe and legal abortion,” Schaffer said, “which in most cases means leaving the state, and so we’ve provided a list of resources both a list of companies who are either through their health insurance or otherwise providing travel reimbursement out of state, and then also abortion funds.
“We’re focused right now on ensuring that women and people who can get pregnant who are working in states that are outlawing or have outlawed abortion still have access to safe and legal abortion,” Schaffer said, “which in most cases means leaving the state, and so we’ve provided a list of resources both a list of companies who are either through their health insurance or otherwise providing travel reimbursement out of state, and then also abortion funds.
- 6/24/2022
- by Natalie Oganesyan
- The Wrap
After two straight years of growth for representation by women, the Academy showed some slippage in gender equity with this year’s Oscar nominations. Women represented 28% of all of this year’s individual nominations, the lowest percentage in three years.
Based on TheWrap’s count, 65 of the 229 individual nominees from 2022’s crop of nominated films are women, or 28.3%. That’s a decline from last year, when a record 76 of the 235 individual nominees (32.3%) were women, and also a drop from 2020, when 65 of 209 individual nominees were women (31.1%).
This year’s 60 female nominees do represent growth over the last decade, however. In 2019, 62 of 225 nominees (27.5%) were women, as were 57 of 213 individual nominees in 2018 (26.8%) and 48 of 211 in 2017 (22.7%).
In TheWrap’s analysis, individuals nominated in multiple categories were counted for each of their nominations. In addition to Campion’s three nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, the three female producers of “Flee...
Based on TheWrap’s count, 65 of the 229 individual nominees from 2022’s crop of nominated films are women, or 28.3%. That’s a decline from last year, when a record 76 of the 235 individual nominees (32.3%) were women, and also a drop from 2020, when 65 of 209 individual nominees were women (31.1%).
This year’s 60 female nominees do represent growth over the last decade, however. In 2019, 62 of 225 nominees (27.5%) were women, as were 57 of 213 individual nominees in 2018 (26.8%) and 48 of 211 in 2017 (22.7%).
In TheWrap’s analysis, individuals nominated in multiple categories were counted for each of their nominations. In addition to Campion’s three nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, the three female producers of “Flee...
- 2/8/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
When Amy Baer left her job as president and CEO of CBS Films in 2011, she decided to go into business for herself.
Though Baer had built an impressive résumé, including tenures at CAA and Sony Pictures Entertainment and overseeing and developing such hit films as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Moneyball,” she struggled to raise the few million dollars needed to launch Gidden Media.
“I wasn’t being presented the same kinds of opportunities as men that I knew who had very similar circumstances and were suddenly being handed massive deals,” Baer recalls. “It wasn’t because I didn’t want to raise the money. I knew how to write a business plan. I had dozens of meetings and ended up raising the funds from a person who had a high net worth who was willing, by virtue of a personal relationship, to invest in me. But you can’t rely on that.
Though Baer had built an impressive résumé, including tenures at CAA and Sony Pictures Entertainment and overseeing and developing such hit films as “My Best Friend’s Wedding” and “Moneyball,” she struggled to raise the few million dollars needed to launch Gidden Media.
“I wasn’t being presented the same kinds of opportunities as men that I knew who had very similar circumstances and were suddenly being handed massive deals,” Baer recalls. “It wasn’t because I didn’t want to raise the money. I knew how to write a business plan. I had dozens of meetings and ended up raising the funds from a person who had a high net worth who was willing, by virtue of a personal relationship, to invest in me. But you can’t rely on that.
- 1/19/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
In 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement, actor, comedian and writer Sarah Ann Masse came forward with sexual misconduct allegations against Harvey Weinstein.
In the years since, Weinstein has been convicted of rape, sentenced to 23 years in New York prison and awaits another sexual assault trial in Los Angeles. All the while, Masse has taken power back into her own hands by launching her own initiative, Hire Survivors Hollywood, and by bringing her activism to projects in which she’s been cast to ensure better working conditions and increased opportunities for survivors who have faced retaliation in the entertainment business.
As Weinstein’s rape conviction stands to possibly be overturned, allegations of sexual misconduct continue to be leveled against a number of high-profile men in Hollywood. Just this month, individuals have come forward with allegations against “Sex and the City” actor Chris Noth, CNN’s Chris Cuomo and “X-Men” director Bryan Singer.
In the years since, Weinstein has been convicted of rape, sentenced to 23 years in New York prison and awaits another sexual assault trial in Los Angeles. All the while, Masse has taken power back into her own hands by launching her own initiative, Hire Survivors Hollywood, and by bringing her activism to projects in which she’s been cast to ensure better working conditions and increased opportunities for survivors who have faced retaliation in the entertainment business.
As Weinstein’s rape conviction stands to possibly be overturned, allegations of sexual misconduct continue to be leveled against a number of high-profile men in Hollywood. Just this month, individuals have come forward with allegations against “Sex and the City” actor Chris Noth, CNN’s Chris Cuomo and “X-Men” director Bryan Singer.
- 12/21/2021
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Last week, Wif celebrated outstanding women who are transforming the entertainment industry for the better with the 2021 Wif Honors: Trailblazers of the New Normal supported by sponsor Max Mara for the 18th year, alongside Visionary Partners ShivHans Pictures and Lexus.
Jane Fonda accepts the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award
Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women In Film
The annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. The evening, hosted by comedian Jenny Yang, was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
This year’s Wif Honors acknowledged the transformative work that it takes to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable, celebrating the collective efforts that this year’s honorees have made to improve our world and our business. The 2021 Wif Honors: Trailblazers of the New Normal honored Jane Fonda with the...
Jane Fonda accepts the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award
Credit/Copyright: Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Women In Film
The annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. The evening, hosted by comedian Jenny Yang, was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
This year’s Wif Honors acknowledged the transformative work that it takes to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable, celebrating the collective efforts that this year’s honorees have made to improve our world and our business. The 2021 Wif Honors: Trailblazers of the New Normal honored Jane Fonda with the...
- 10/11/2021
- Look to the Stars
Wif announced today that Jane Fonda and Zazie Beetz will also be honorees at the 2021 Wif Honors that will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
They will join the three pairs of women previously announced to be receiving Crystal Awards: Marlee Matlin and Siân Heder, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, and Zendaya and Ashley Levinson. Additionally, Wif has announced that Jenny Yang will host the event.
This year, Trailblazers of the New Normal will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better. The event is uniquely designed to acknowledge the transformative work that it takes to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable. The Wif Honors is celebrating the collective efforts that this year’s honorees have made to improve our world and our business.
It is with great pride that Wif is this year debuting the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award,...
They will join the three pairs of women previously announced to be receiving Crystal Awards: Marlee Matlin and Siân Heder, Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, and Zendaya and Ashley Levinson. Additionally, Wif has announced that Jenny Yang will host the event.
This year, Trailblazers of the New Normal will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better. The event is uniquely designed to acknowledge the transformative work that it takes to make the entertainment industry more inclusive and equitable. The Wif Honors is celebrating the collective efforts that this year’s honorees have made to improve our world and our business.
It is with great pride that Wif is this year debuting the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award,...
- 10/5/2021
- Look to the Stars
While many businesses, guilds and unions across the country activated programs to address diversity in the past year, the impact of Covid job losses on women and women of color especially in the entertainment business — a fact that Women in Film’s Hire Her Back program addresses.
“Given our mission, we thought that we needed to shine a light on that and start talking about in a meaningful way,” says Wif executive director Kirsten Schaffer who along with board president Amy Baer conceived and launched the Hire Her Back initiative in June 2020. They wanted to build “a campaign around shining a light on the disproportionate number of women who lose their jobs first and get rehired last, and making sure that we were creating a resource that women in the entertainment industries could tap into to help them bridge some gaps financially.”
They also partnered with New York Women in Film & Television...
“Given our mission, we thought that we needed to shine a light on that and start talking about in a meaningful way,” says Wif executive director Kirsten Schaffer who along with board president Amy Baer conceived and launched the Hire Her Back initiative in June 2020. They wanted to build “a campaign around shining a light on the disproportionate number of women who lose their jobs first and get rehired last, and making sure that we were creating a resource that women in the entertainment industries could tap into to help them bridge some gaps financially.”
They also partnered with New York Women in Film & Television...
- 9/30/2021
- by Carole Horst
- Variety Film + TV
Wif announced today the honorees for the 2021 Wif Honors that will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.
Formerly named the Crystal + Lucy Awards®, the annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. This is the first time the organization has been able to hold its fundraising celebration since 2019, due to the pandemic.
This year’s Wif Honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities. The iconic Crystal Award will be presented to the following pairs of collaborators:
Marlee Matlin and SIÂN Heder
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
Zendaya and Ashley Levinson
Marlee Matlin and Sian Heder...
Formerly named the Crystal + Lucy Awards®, the annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry. This is the first time the organization has been able to hold its fundraising celebration since 2019, due to the pandemic.
This year’s Wif Honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities. The iconic Crystal Award will be presented to the following pairs of collaborators:
Marlee Matlin and SIÂN Heder
Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder
Zendaya and Ashley Levinson
Marlee Matlin and Sian Heder...
- 9/22/2021
- Look to the Stars
Women In Film, Los Angeles has set Marlee Matlin, Siân Heder, Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Zendaya and Ashley Levinson as the recipients of its 2021 Crystal Award, recognizing outstanding artists whose advocacy has helped to expand the role of women within entertainment.
Matlin and Heder will be honored for “setting a new precedent for representation and accessibility in front of and behind the camera” on their Apple coming-of-age dramedy, Coda. Smart and Einbinder, the Emmy-nominated stars of HBO Max’s hit comedy series Hacks, will be recognized for performances that bring to light issues Wif has been working to address for decades—specifically, sexism, ageism, and harassment in the entertainment industry. Then, there’s Zendaya and her producing partner Levinson, who will be acknowledged for their disruption of “the imbalanced, traditional systems of compensation and ownership,” having developed a shared equity model for their acclaimed Netflix feature, Malcolm & Marie.
The...
Matlin and Heder will be honored for “setting a new precedent for representation and accessibility in front of and behind the camera” on their Apple coming-of-age dramedy, Coda. Smart and Einbinder, the Emmy-nominated stars of HBO Max’s hit comedy series Hacks, will be recognized for performances that bring to light issues Wif has been working to address for decades—specifically, sexism, ageism, and harassment in the entertainment industry. Then, there’s Zendaya and her producing partner Levinson, who will be acknowledged for their disruption of “the imbalanced, traditional systems of compensation and ownership,” having developed a shared equity model for their acclaimed Netflix feature, Malcolm & Marie.
The...
- 9/14/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Zendaya, Marlee Matlin and Jean Smart have been named honorees for Women in Film 2021 Wif Honors. Formerly, the Crystal + Lucy Awards, the annual benefit supports Wif’s educational and philanthropic programs and its advocacy for gender parity for women throughout the industry.
Also honored will be “Coda” writer Sian Heder, “Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder and producer Ashley Levinson. The Wif honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities.
This year, the awards ceremony will be held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on Oct. 6, in a return to an in-person event.
The Wif Honors Committee, chaired by Esther Chang, is comprised of Jamila Hunter, Michelle Lee, Monica Levinson, Talitha Watkins, and Lauren Williams.
Also honored will be “Coda” writer Sian Heder, “Hacks” actress Hannah Einbinder and producer Ashley Levinson. The Wif honors will celebrate the women who are transforming the industry for the better, with innovative reimaginings of how the workplace can be set up for women to support women with compassion, care, and a renewed commitment to equity across intersectional identities.
This year, the awards ceremony will be held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles on Oct. 6, in a return to an in-person event.
The Wif Honors Committee, chaired by Esther Chang, is comprised of Jamila Hunter, Michelle Lee, Monica Levinson, Talitha Watkins, and Lauren Williams.
- 9/14/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Anna Serner, the well-respected CEO of the Swedish Film Institute who’s been a leading force behind gender parity campaigns in the film industry, has announced she will be stepping down from her role this fall.
News of Serner’s resignation has prompted a joint open letter from 50 organizations thanking the executive for her dedication to reaching equality and equity in the international film industry. The letter, initiated by the org Women in Film and Television International, praised Serner for her “decade-long commitment” as well as her “passion, dedication and clarity,” which has given [them] all hope, encouragement and strength.”
“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of your work for gender equality. Since taking the helm of the Swedish Film Institute in 2011, you’ve been an unwavering force for women at all levels of the industry,” said the letter, which was signed by Helene Granqvist, from Women in Film and...
News of Serner’s resignation has prompted a joint open letter from 50 organizations thanking the executive for her dedication to reaching equality and equity in the international film industry. The letter, initiated by the org Women in Film and Television International, praised Serner for her “decade-long commitment” as well as her “passion, dedication and clarity,” which has given [them] all hope, encouragement and strength.”
“It’s impossible to overstate the importance of your work for gender equality. Since taking the helm of the Swedish Film Institute in 2011, you’ve been an unwavering force for women at all levels of the industry,” said the letter, which was signed by Helene Granqvist, from Women in Film and...
- 4/28/2021
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Seventy women representing a record 76 Oscar nominations translated to a record number of female wins Sunday with 17 awards, beating a previous high of 15 set in 2019 and running the gamut from Best Director and Best Picture to Original Screenplay, Animated Film and Original Song.
The 2019 Oscars, for films out in 2018, had the same number of women winners but fewer awards. Two of the nominees, Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand took home two awards each — all for Nomadland. This year’s awards were also more prominent. Winners from both years included the two acting awards.
“What an incredible night full of firsts for women,” said Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Women In Film, LA, calling the night “a great celebration of talent and an inspiration for all of the women who work in the screen industries especially those behind the camera.”
“Fifteen women won 17 awards tonight with the first time for Black women in hair and makeup,...
The 2019 Oscars, for films out in 2018, had the same number of women winners but fewer awards. Two of the nominees, Chloé Zhao and Frances McDormand took home two awards each — all for Nomadland. This year’s awards were also more prominent. Winners from both years included the two acting awards.
“What an incredible night full of firsts for women,” said Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Women In Film, LA, calling the night “a great celebration of talent and an inspiration for all of the women who work in the screen industries especially those behind the camera.”
“Fifteen women won 17 awards tonight with the first time for Black women in hair and makeup,...
- 4/26/2021
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Tues. April 6 L.A. County Public Health Issues Updates Guidelines for Filming
As Los Angeles County continues to see Covid-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline and the county enters the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework, new protocols have been issued to lift some local activity-specific restrictions.
With craft services and dining, indoor dining is now allowed at 50% capacity (maximum 200 people), but outdoor dining is still strongly recommended and single serving meals are still required. With sit-down meals, the guidelines suggest “Dining must occur only in designated dining areas. It is recommended to have cast and crew eating in shifts with fewer people. Seating for sit-down meals must be large enough to allow for physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons eating and should be done outdoors.
Live audiences indoors are limited to 50 people and they may not be members of the general public.
As Los Angeles County continues to see Covid-19 case rates, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decline and the county enters the Orange Tier of the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy framework, new protocols have been issued to lift some local activity-specific restrictions.
With craft services and dining, indoor dining is now allowed at 50% capacity (maximum 200 people), but outdoor dining is still strongly recommended and single serving meals are still required. With sit-down meals, the guidelines suggest “Dining must occur only in designated dining areas. It is recommended to have cast and crew eating in shifts with fewer people. Seating for sit-down meals must be large enough to allow for physical distancing of at least six (6) feet between persons eating and should be done outdoors.
Live audiences indoors are limited to 50 people and they may not be members of the general public.
- 4/6/2021
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Excusive: The inclusive coalition of industry professionals ReFrame has selected former director of Canada’s Inside Out LGBTQ Film Festival Andria Wilson Mirza as its new Director.
In addition, the organization has created the new ReFrame Council, which includes the initiative’s founding members Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer, Sundance CEO Keri Putnam, and Oscar-winning producer, Wif President Emeritas and founder of Welle Entertainment Cathy Schulman, alongside Channing Dungey, Franklin Leonard, Rena Ronson (Head of UTA Independent Film Group), and Bird Runningwater. The Council will lead the strategic development of ReFrame’s initiatives and provide oversight on future advocacy efforts.
ReFrame was founded in 2017 by Women In Film and Sundance Institute with the mission to increase the number of women of all backgrounds working in the screen industries.
In her role at ReFrame,...
In addition, the organization has created the new ReFrame Council, which includes the initiative’s founding members Wif Executive Director Kirsten Schaffer, Sundance CEO Keri Putnam, and Oscar-winning producer, Wif President Emeritas and founder of Welle Entertainment Cathy Schulman, alongside Channing Dungey, Franklin Leonard, Rena Ronson (Head of UTA Independent Film Group), and Bird Runningwater. The Council will lead the strategic development of ReFrame’s initiatives and provide oversight on future advocacy efforts.
ReFrame was founded in 2017 by Women In Film and Sundance Institute with the mission to increase the number of women of all backgrounds working in the screen industries.
In her role at ReFrame,...
- 4/6/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive arrives from Inside Out in Toronto.
Women In Film and Sundance Institute industry support initiative ReFrame, the non-profit designed to increase the representation of women in the industry, has named Andria Wilson Mirza director.
Mirza will work with ReFrame ambassadors and partner companies to implement key programmes including the distribution of the ReFrame Stamp denoting distinction on productions that demonstrate gender-balanced hiring practices, the ReFrame Rise programme in support of mid-career women directors, and the expansion of the group’s Culture Change Handbook into the interactive ReFrame Playbook, which will launch this year.
She most recently served as executive...
Women In Film and Sundance Institute industry support initiative ReFrame, the non-profit designed to increase the representation of women in the industry, has named Andria Wilson Mirza director.
Mirza will work with ReFrame ambassadors and partner companies to implement key programmes including the distribution of the ReFrame Stamp denoting distinction on productions that demonstrate gender-balanced hiring practices, the ReFrame Rise programme in support of mid-career women directors, and the expansion of the group’s Culture Change Handbook into the interactive ReFrame Playbook, which will launch this year.
She most recently served as executive...
- 4/6/2021
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Women in Film Los Angeles has a half-dozen new board members.
New to the board are Niija Kuykendall, EVP Production at Warner Bros Pictures; Michelle Lee, Director of Domestic Programming at AppleTV+; film producer Monica Levinson; and Ida Ziniti, Co-Head of the Motion Picture Literary Department at CAA.
“Each of these impressive women is uniquely expert — whether as an executive, producer, creator or agent,” Board President and Gidden Media CEO Amy Baer said in making the announcement on International Women’s Day. “Their diverse skill sets will help us to continue championing the advancement of women across all facets of the screen industries.”
She noted that outgoing board members — Stephanie Allain, Orly Adelson, Adriana Alberghetti, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, and Keri Putnam — who have completed their terms.
New to the board are Niija Kuykendall, EVP Production at Warner Bros Pictures; Michelle Lee, Director of Domestic Programming at AppleTV+; film producer Monica Levinson; and Ida Ziniti, Co-Head of the Motion Picture Literary Department at CAA.
“Each of these impressive women is uniquely expert — whether as an executive, producer, creator or agent,” Board President and Gidden Media CEO Amy Baer said in making the announcement on International Women’s Day. “Their diverse skill sets will help us to continue championing the advancement of women across all facets of the screen industries.”
She noted that outgoing board members — Stephanie Allain, Orly Adelson, Adriana Alberghetti, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, and Keri Putnam — who have completed their terms.
- 3/9/2021
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Advocacy group recruits Golden Globe-winning producer and executives from CAA and Warner Bros.
Women In Film, Los Angeles (Wif) has named six new board members, among them Borat Subsequent Moviefilm producer Monica Levinson, CAA’s Ida Ziniti and Warner Bros Pictures production executive Niija Kuykendall.
Also joining the advocacy group’s 2021 board are Apple TV+ director of domestic programming Michelle Lee, Emmy-winning TV executive producer Chris Nee and Shivani Rawat, CEO production and finance company ShivHans Pictures.
Wif board president Amy Baer (CEO of Gidden Media) said: “Each of these impressive women is uniquely expert, whether as an executive, producer,...
Women In Film, Los Angeles (Wif) has named six new board members, among them Borat Subsequent Moviefilm producer Monica Levinson, CAA’s Ida Ziniti and Warner Bros Pictures production executive Niija Kuykendall.
Also joining the advocacy group’s 2021 board are Apple TV+ director of domestic programming Michelle Lee, Emmy-winning TV executive producer Chris Nee and Shivani Rawat, CEO production and finance company ShivHans Pictures.
Wif board president Amy Baer (CEO of Gidden Media) said: “Each of these impressive women is uniquely expert, whether as an executive, producer,...
- 3/9/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
While Hollywood is still a long way from gender parity, the fight to get more women in the director’s chair hit a milestone this year: For the first time, 27% of the 366 films eligible for this year’s Academy Award for Best Picture had a female director. That’s up from last year, when 23% of eligible films had a woman as director or co-director (79 out of 344 films) — and a marked improvement from five years ago, when only 15% did. “The percentage of female-identified directors in the Oscar race is encouraging,” Kirsten Schaffer, executive director of Women in Film, told TheWrap. “There has been a steady incline in the past three years and if that trend continues, we’ll get to parity by the end of 2026!” Of the 100 films in this year’s race with a female director, 38 were documentaries, reflecting an industry-wide trend of women finding more opportunities in nonfiction rather than scripted films.
- 3/4/2021
- by Jeremy Fuster and Brian Welk
- The Wrap
“What is different is that my kids are more visible to my colleagues.”
Kirsten Schaffer has been executive director of Women in Film, Los Angeles for five years.
She joined the group organisation after 14 years at Outfest, where she was executive director after years as deputy director and head of programming.
Women In Film, Los Angeles advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries to achieve parity and transform culture. The body provides mentorship and among other initiatives runs production training, writing labs, and offers finishing funds, speaker and screening series.
The organisation has 14 employees...
Kirsten Schaffer has been executive director of Women in Film, Los Angeles for five years.
She joined the group organisation after 14 years at Outfest, where she was executive director after years as deputy director and head of programming.
Women In Film, Los Angeles advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries to achieve parity and transform culture. The body provides mentorship and among other initiatives runs production training, writing labs, and offers finishing funds, speaker and screening series.
The organisation has 14 employees...
- 4/1/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
The L.A. division of Women in Film on Monday announced nine new grantees for its 34th annual Film Finishing Fund.
Two of this year’s recipients have been selected at major film festivals: Sabrina Doyle’s narrative feature “Lorelei” will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival, while Iram Parveen Bilal’s “I’ll Meet You There” was selected for the recently scuttled SXSW fest. Parveen Bilal and “And She Could Be Next” co-director Grace Lee were both previous grantees, in 2012.
The Film Finishing Fund provides cash grants and in-kind production services to complete films that fit the established criteria of being created by, for or about women. The works-in-progress are viewed by a special jury of women in the industry who select the winning films.
Also Read: 15% in 2020?!: Female Directors Show No Gains on This Year's Studio Release Slates
This year’s nine grantees — including four receiving $25,000 grants from...
Two of this year’s recipients have been selected at major film festivals: Sabrina Doyle’s narrative feature “Lorelei” will screen at the Tribeca Film Festival, while Iram Parveen Bilal’s “I’ll Meet You There” was selected for the recently scuttled SXSW fest. Parveen Bilal and “And She Could Be Next” co-director Grace Lee were both previous grantees, in 2012.
The Film Finishing Fund provides cash grants and in-kind production services to complete films that fit the established criteria of being created by, for or about women. The works-in-progress are viewed by a special jury of women in the industry who select the winning films.
Also Read: 15% in 2020?!: Female Directors Show No Gains on This Year's Studio Release Slates
This year’s nine grantees — including four receiving $25,000 grants from...
- 3/10/2020
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
“This trial – and the jury’s decision today – marks a new era of justice.”
Time’s Up Foundation president and CEO Tina Tchen said on Monday (February 24) that the guilty verdict against Harvey Weinstein on two lesser charges marked “a new era of justice”.
In a statement, Tchen, who heads the group that launched two years ago in response to the Weinstein allegations and the #MeToo movement, said, “This trial – and the jury’s decision today – marks a new era of justice, not just for the Silence Breakers, who spoke out at great personal risk, but for all survivors of harassment,...
Time’s Up Foundation president and CEO Tina Tchen said on Monday (February 24) that the guilty verdict against Harvey Weinstein on two lesser charges marked “a new era of justice”.
In a statement, Tchen, who heads the group that launched two years ago in response to the Weinstein allegations and the #MeToo movement, said, “This trial – and the jury’s decision today – marks a new era of justice, not just for the Silence Breakers, who spoke out at great personal risk, but for all survivors of harassment,...
- 2/25/2020
- by 36¦Jeremy Kay¦54¦
- ScreenDaily
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