The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment (WIE) event, presented by Lifetime, made a triumphant return on Wednesday, celebrating the powerful, influential women shaping Hollywood today. This year’s event, held at the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel, was not only a gathering of industry giants but also a heartfelt tribute to the women breaking barriers and fostering change in entertainment.
Honoring Icons and Change-Makers
This year, Nicole Kidman was presented with the prestigious Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, which recognizes trailblazers who have carved new paths in their fields. In her acceptance speech, Kidman reflected on her journey and paid homage to Lansing, who supported her critically acclaimed film The Hours during a challenging period in its production. Kidman’s heartfelt appeal to the audience resonated deeply:
“Reach out and mentor someone. You may impact a life in the same way Sherry Lansing impacted mine.”
The ceremony also spotlighted Selena Gomez, who received the Equity in Entertainment Award for her efforts in amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities. Gomez shared a poignant memory of being approached by a young mother during her Disney days:
“She thanked me for being someone her daughter could look up to. At that moment, I understood the gravity of representation and vowed to live up to that responsibility.”
Laughter, Wisdom, and Solidarity
The event kicked off on a lighthearted note with comedian Nikki Glaser, who brought both humor and authenticity to the room. In her opening remarks, Glaser humorously acknowledged the challenges women face in a competitive industry:
“It’s hard not to compare and despair, but the real challenge is lifting each other up — giving opportunities and advice we wished we had when starting out.”
Her blend of comedy and candor set the tone for a morning of celebration and solidarity.
Empowering the Next Generation
One of the most inspiring moments of the event was the spotlight on THR’s mentorship program, which pairs high-achieving high school girls from underserved communities in Los Angeles with leading female executives in the film and TV industry.
This year’s mentees received scholarships worth $10,000 each, MacBooks, and four full-ride university scholarships valued at over $1 million, thanks to Lifetime and donors like the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation.
Actress Jennifer Lawrence, alongside Amanda Zurawski, presented these awards and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for young women:
“These scholarships are not just financial support; they’re a promise of hope, a pathway to breaking barriers, and a chance to rewrite their futures.”
Strengthening Community Bonds
Kerry Washington, a former Equity in Entertainment Award recipient, announced a new partnership between THR’s mentorship program and the Roybal School of Film and Television Magnet, which aims to nurture the next generation of Hollywood talent.
This collaboration, coupled with personal contributions from writer-producer Melissa Blake and organizations like the National Association of Theatre Owners, highlighted the industry’s collective commitment to empowering future leaders.
A Morning of Gratitude and Inspiration
The event’s headlining moment came when Laura Dern, a close friend of Nicole Kidman, introduced the awardee with heartfelt words that celebrated their two-decade-long friendship:
“Nicole isn’t just an actor or producer; she’s a mother, wife, friend, and advocate who continues to show us what true leadership looks like.”
Kidman, visibly moved, dedicated the award to her late mother and urged everyone in the room to embrace mentorship:
“The world reaps the benefits when powerful individuals mentor others. Take a moment to offer support and guidance today.”
A Star-Studded Gathering
The Women in Entertainment event brought together a dazzling array of Hollywood luminaries, including Pam Anderson, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Natasha Rothwell, and Danielle Brooks, among others. Each attendee represented the collective power and influence of women in the entertainment industry, reinforcing the importance of community and shared success.