The Beverly Hills Hotel was the epicentre of Hollywood glamour and influence on Wednesday morning as The Hollywood Reporter hosted its prestigious Annual Women in Entertainment gala. The exclusive, invite-only breakfast saw nearly 600 of the industry's top executives, creators, and VIPs gather to celebrate female trailblazers and the publication's Power 100 list.
A-List Honours and Emotional Tributes
Jennifer Lopez, 55, was presented with the Equity in Entertainment Award for her dedicated work in uplifting underrepresented voices. The accolade was handed to her by close friend and last year's recipient, Kerry Washington. Meanwhile, Gwyneth Paltrow, 52, received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, a honour reserved for pioneers who actively reshape the entertainment landscape.
The morning also featured a poignant moment as Oscar-winner Goldie Hawn paid an emotional tribute to her late friend and co-star, Diane Keaton, who passed away in October. The two famously shared the screen in the 1996 comedy classic, The First Wives Club.
Philanthropy and the Next Generation Take Centre Stage
A core mission of the gala is to champion The Hollywood Reporter's long-running Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program. This initiative pairs high-achieving high school students with top industry leaders. Dakota Johnson, 35, played a pivotal role in the philanthropic segment, leading the presentation of more than $1 million in life-changing university scholarships.
These scholarships were awarded to high school seniors from underserved communities who are enrolled in the mentorship scheme. Johnson, who co-founded production company TeaTime Pictures, was joined by actress Regina Hall and rising star Chase Infiniti in celebrating the next wave of creative talent.
Wit and Wisdom from the Stage
The ceremony was deftly hosted by actress and comedian Rachel Sennott, creator of I Love LA, who brought her signature wit to the proceedings. The keynote address was delivered by Jimmy Kimmel Live! head writer and executive producer Molly McNearney, who was introduced to the stage by Jimmy Kimmel himself.
This star-studded event remains one of the industry's most significant year-end gatherings, successfully blending celebration, recognition, and tangible support for future generations of women in film, television, and media.
