Actresses Charlize Theron and Issa Rae were among those honoured at this year's The Hollywood Reporter's Women In Entertainment Gala. Here’s all that happened at the event in Fairmont Century Plaza, Los Angeles.
Watch @CharlizeAfrica's full acceptance speech for this year's Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, presented at THR's #WomeninEntertainment breakfast pic.twitter.com/CyCHxyQRMW
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 7, 2022
The Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project - an organisation dedicated to making a difference for people in South Africa - is what Theron said has inspired her success. She proceeded to praise women leaders in the film industry and asserted how women should lean on each other as resources to strengthen each other’s voices.
Close friend and frequent collaborator Seth Rogen presented Theron with her award after taking shots at Kim Kardashian for not attending the event, and cracked a few jokes at actor Vin Diesel’s expense.
.@SethRogen roasted Vin Diesel, Kim Kardashian and the quiche at THR's #WomeninEntertainment breakfast while presenting @CharlizeAfrica with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award pic.twitter.com/mU7KyV5unX
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 7, 2022
And then a joke: Though he joked, “’Are we going to talk about how Kim Kardashian didn’t show up? I have seen every episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. I know she doesn’t have anything more important to do than this.” He clarified that he meant no harm, and that Kim was probably going through a lot in her life right now and had good reason to skip the event.
The New York Times journalists Jodey Kantor and Megan Twohey who first exposed the Harvey Weinstein scandal, delivered the keynote speech at the event. The two elaborated on their investigations that soon took shape in their book She Said - now a major motion picture starring Carrey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan of the same name.
Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey detail their unique journey through Hollywood at THR's #WomeninEntertainment event pic.twitter.com/ciX3kmVGni
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 7, 2022
Insecure actor and creator Issa Rae was also honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award at the gala. Her co-star on the show Yvonne Orji presented her with the award which recognises individuals who amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.
Rae’s acceptance speech began with a ‘bad trip’ anecdote as she recounted her experience having consumed an edible in Las Vegas which made her eventually sink into a terrifying, timeless loop.
.@IssaRae gives a hilarious and moving acceptance speech for the 2022 Equity in Entertainment Award at THR's #WomeninEntertainment celebration pic.twitter.com/Cw0DDivIbP
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 7, 2022
Her edibles-induced close encounters with mortality is proved to be a motivating factor for her work creating inclusive content reflecting diverse voices.
The scholarships: Jamie Lee Curtis, Janelle Monae, Margot Robbie, Addison Rae and Gracie Abrams presented scholarships as part of THR’s Women in Entertainment mentorship program of which $1 million in university scholarships were granted to women’s high school seniors in underprivileged communities in Los Angeles.
Janelle Monae and Jamie Lee Curtis prepare to present the mentorship program and scholarship recipients at #WomeninEntertainment pic.twitter.com/Ewk7P45dg7
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) December 7, 2022