Celebrating Women’s Achievements at the 18th Annual Women in Film Oscars Party
The 18th annual Women in Film Oscars party honored the remarkable accomplishments of 65 women nominated for the prestigious 97th annual awards.
Women in Film: Advocating for Gender Equality Since 1962
Since its inception in 1962, Women in Film (WIF) has been a steadfast advocate for gender equality, offering crucial support during pivotal movements including #MeToo, the COVID crisis, recent union strikes, and the devastating impact of wildfires.
Unity and Resilience in the Industry
Addressing the audience, which featured notable figures such as Cynthia Erivo, Monica Barbaro, Diane Warren, and Tanya LaPointe from “Dune 2,” WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer emphasized, “Our industry has faced numerous challenges over the past four years, especially concerning the plight of women, transgender individuals, immigrants, queer people, and people of color across the nation. This is precisely why our community is more essential than ever. We must intensify our commitment to inclusion and solidarity.”
A Night of Recognition and Reflection
The event took place on a Friday evening at the Wheelhouse in West Hollywood, gathering a host of nominees including director Coralie Fargeat of “The Substance,” costume designer Janty Yates from “Gladiator 2,” and director Emily Kassie of “Sugarcane.”
The Heart of the Community
Schaffer remarked, “Community is the very essence of this organization. It embodies the collective efforts to reshape perceptions and transform business practices and cultural norms. While our mission is focused on achieving gender equality, it is crucial for individuals to feel safe in all aspects—physically, emotionally, and financially.”
Personal Impact of Recent Tragedies
Sharing her personal experience with the wildfires, Schaffer revealed that she was among the 11,500 people who lost their homes. Highlighting WIF’s partnership with the Entertainment Community Fund, she reminded attendees, “Many of you have likely contributed to various GoFundMe campaigns, the Red Cross, and firefighters. However, the recovery is far from over. It will be a lengthy process requiring many hands. I urge you to consider making a donation this evening to the Entertainment Community Fund.”
A Call for Strength and Solidarity
In her closing remarks, Schaffer celebrated the vibrant community of women present and encouraged them to “fortify our connections. If there exists a gathering of individuals possessing the tenacity, courage, and creativity to navigate through this challenging time, it is right here in this room.”
Recognizing the Nominees
Following her speech, Schaffer invited the Oscar-nominated women to take the stage, introducing themselves one by one before posing for a group photo, underscoring their achievements and unity.
