44th Annual MUSE Awards in New York City

The 44th Annual MUSE Awards provided a fitting conclusion to Women’s History Month.

This week, The Knockturnal had the privilege of attending the New York Women in Television and Film MUSE Awards. For over four decades, NYWIFT has hosted the Muse Awards to honor and spotlight women of exceptional vision and accomplishment, both in front of and behind the camera, across film, television, music, and digital media. This year’s esteemed honorees included:

• Raney Aronson-Rath, recipient of the Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism.
• Alex Borstein, recipient of the “Made in NY” Award presented by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
• Tantoo Cardinal, a multifaceted figure encompassing comedy, writing, activism, and trade union leadership, currently serving as the national president of the Screen Actors Guild.
• Fran Drescher, a luminary figure as an actress, writer, activist, and President of SAG-AFTRA.
• Latasha Gillespie, Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility for Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video, and Freevee.
• Kyra Sedgwick, an acclaimed actress and filmmaker.
• Millicent Simmonds (known for “A Quiet Place”), recipient of the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award.
• Michèle Stephenson, recipient of the Nancy Malone Directing Award.

The ceremony, held at Cipriani 42nd St, was hosted by CBS Sunday Morning contributor, comedian, actress, and self-described “Accidental Pundette” Nancy Giles. It provided an opportunity to witness the impactful contributions of these honorees to the industry and gain insight into their visions for the future.

The Red Carpet

On the red carpet, we had the pleasure of conversing with Latasha Gillespie, one of the honorees. She expressed her gratitude, stating to The Knockturnal, “I’m blessed to be in the company of such amazing people who have decided to dedicate their life to bear fruit.” Gillespie emphasized the importance of the journey, remarking, “This isn’t because I’ve done anything miraculous or have arrived, this is because I am on the journey of walking out my purpose on this Earth. We’re just here to celebrate our journey and our path!”

Jodi Long, Emmy-winning actress, SAG-AFTRA National Vice President of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Local President, also graced the event. Reflecting on the future of Women in Television and Film, she remarked, “We have seen a lot of progress in terms of equity and inclusion, and I’m so thrilled to see more diverse faces on screen, television, modeling, and in the boardroom. I just hope that that continues.”

The Ceremony

The Ciprani on 42nd Street provided an elegant setting for this special occasion, complemented by an exquisite menu. Guests indulged in a delectable array of culinary delights, including Baby Artichoke Salad with Avocado and Shaved Parmesan as the appetizer, Prime Roast Ribeye with Olive Oil and Sea Salt served with Asparagus Tied with Leeks and Potato Dauphinoise as the main course, and a sweet finale of Tiramisu for dessert.

Each honoree delivered impactful speeches, eliciting resounding applause from the audience. Alex Borstein, upon receiving the “Made in NY” Award, delivered a powerful message: “I realized, being different, being told I was different at an early age,” she says “being told I was too big or too much, or too loud, you know, if someone tells you, you are too different, or too much, it’s cause they’re f****** boring and not enough.”

Millicent Simmonds, honored with the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award, delivered a poignant speech in American Sign Language, sharing her journey as a deaf actress.

Though Fran Drescher was unable to attend, her legacy resonated throughout the event. Linda Powell read Drescher’s speech, emphasizing her unwavering commitment to driving change. Fran says, “Even during the most challenging weeks of that strike, I remained inspired by those thousands who came to the picket lines and who raised their voices, refusing to allow changing technology and business models to displace their ability to have a career in the performing arts.”

Overall

This celebration offered a meaningful day to honor and recognize the women who tirelessly strive to propel the next generation forward. Ezra Knight, SAG-AFTRA’s New York President, summarized his vision for the industry’s trajectory by saying, “Greater and greater representation, in front of as well as behind the camera,” Knight asserts, “especially concerning race and women of color, more, more, more.”