On Thursday evening, Women in Film (WIF) hosted their yearly gala at the Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, spotlighting outstanding accomplishments in the industry. Among the celebrated honorees was Tessa Thompson for her latest film, Hedda, the inaugural production from her company, Viva Maude. This event not only raised funds to support education, career development, and advocacy programs but also emphasized the importance of unity within the creative community.
Evening Highlights Reflecting a Theme of Solidarity
Setting the tone for the night, Queen Latifah’s song “U.N.I.T.Y.” filled the room as the program commenced. Comedian Atsuko Okatsuka opened with heartfelt humor, acknowledging the power of the women gathered. Legendary actress Jane Fonda then presented the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award to Jamie Lee Curtis, a moment that underscored commitment to social causes within the entertainment world.
Honoring Advocacy in Television Through ‘Forever’ Creators
Karen Pittman, known for her roles in Forever and The Morning Show, introduced the Crystal Award for Advocacy in Television, presented to Mara Brock Akil and Regina King. This creative team adapted Judy Blume’s novel Forever for the screen. Akil reflected on her inspiration, stating,
“You become a writer as a reader first and I devoured every book that she wrote.”
Mara Brock Akil, Showrunner
Regina King praised Akil’s persistence in reimagining the narrative.
“Mara saw a void and she was the vessel for [the project] to happen,”
King said.
“Luckily for me, the project was greenlit before she felt that I would be a good partner to come in and help establish the visual language to all that she had in her head.”
Regina King, Executive Producer and Director
Recognition for the Film Hedda and its Advocacy Team
Janicza Bravo, an accomplished writer, director, and producer, presented the Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film to Tessa Thompson along with producers Dede Gardner and Gabrielle Nadig for the 1950s-set drama Hedda. While director and writer Nia DaCosta accepted the honor in absentia, Thompson spoke about the link between advocacy and inclusivity. She explained,
“If you have the great pleasure of being in a room, I feel like one great thing to do is to look around and think who else ought to be here,”
adding,
“That, to me, is the only thing I understand about advocacy and how to do it.”
Tessa Thompson, Producer
Additional Awards Highlight Emerging and Iconic Talent
The night continued with recognition of emerging talent as Maude Apatow received the WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award from former honoree Maria Bello. The program concluded with actress Kaia Gerber presenting WIF’s inaugural Icon Award to her Palm Royale co-star Kristen Wiig, who expressed her passion for female-driven stories:
“I love stories about women. We’re so crazy, we’re complex, and I want to keep telling stories about women, with women.”
Kristen Wiig, Actress
Inspiration and Hope Mark the Evening for Women in Film
The event attracted a diverse group of influential figures, including Jurnee Smollett, Taylour Paige, attorney Nina Shaw, producers Effie T. Brown and Reina King, Kathryn Busby of Starz, and activist Dolores Huerta. Their presence highlighted a collective dedication to fostering change both in front of and behind the camera. Atsuko Okatsuka captured the spirit of the gathering by saying,
“The good news is, we have each other. We are crushing. We are powerful – here’s to us!”
Atsuko Okatsuka, Comedian
Tessa Thompson’s Hedda film receiving acknowledgment at the WIF gala underlines the growing momentum for projects centered on diverse storytelling and advocacy. As Thompson and her collaborators continue to push creative boundaries, the impact of these voices is expected to shape an industry increasingly aware of representation and inclusion.
