New York Women in Film & Television amped up the level of joyous inspiration at this year’s annual Muse Awards.
The sold-out luncheon at Cipriani 42nd Street saw nearly a thousand guests who came together on the dawning of spring for a moment that celebrated trailblazers, leading authorities and those who dare to dream big in the Big Apple.
Audra McDonald (Courtesy NYWIFT)
For more than 40 years, NYWIFT has presented the Muse Awards to illuminate women of outstanding vision and achievement, both in front of and behind the camera in film, television, music, and media.
Jamie Brewer (Courtesy NYWIFT)
This year’s MUSE Award honorees included: Jamie Brewer, award-winning actress, model, and disability-rights advocate, and recipient of the the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award; Patricia Cardoso, award-winning film and television director whose groundbreaking debut “Real Women Have Curves“ was inducted into the Library of Congress National Film Registry, and recipient of NYWIFT’s Nancy Malone Directing Award; Rebecca Damon, Chief Labor Policy Officer and New York Local Executive Director for SAG-AFTRA, and recipient of the “Made in NY” Award presented by the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment; Izzy Harrison, WNBA forward for the New York Liberty, recognized for her leadership on the court and her advocacy for mental health and lupus awareness, and recipient of the inaugural NYWIFT MUSE Award for Achievement in Sports & Media; Audra McDonald, Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award–winning actress and singer, and the most decorated performer in Tony history; Gwyneth Paltrow, founder, CEO, investor, and Academy Award–winning artist; Jane Raab, DGA and PGA Award–winning producer whose extensive television credits include “Sex and the City,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Only Murders in the Building”; and Joy Reid, journalist, author, documentary producer, and nationally recognized political commentator, and recipient of NYWIFT’s Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism.
“I was deeply moved and honored,” McDonald told Knockturnal on the red carpet about the recognition. “I want to celebrate the other women that they’re celebrating the idea of what a muse is and what it can do; and the power of being a muse, of being moved by a muse, of being visited upon by a muse, what it can do for the world. I also feel like it’s time for the matriarchy to rise. And so if this helps bring that vibration up, I’m down.”
(Courtesy NYWIFT)
The luncheon itself blasted off with a an ignited showcase that brought sparkling muses to the stage for an afternoon of uplifting energy and joyous celebration for women in the media making a positive difference.
“I really am honored to receive this from an organization that has done so much to champion women in this industry,” Paltrow beamed on the stage during her award presentation.
NYWIFT connects, educates, and advocates for women to accelerate diversity in media. NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training and professional development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing access to a supportive community of peers. NYWIFT brings together more than 2,500 women and men working both above and below the line. NYWIFT is part of a network of 60 women in film organizations worldwide, representing more than 15,000 members.
“It is a true honor being here,” Brewer reflected during her acceptance speech about the importance of the day. “We are all muses inside and out. When it comes to barriers and challenges just break through….Live with grace.”
Izzy Harrison (Courtesy NYWIFT)
“It’s the year of the fire horse. “It symbolizes a period of intense energy, of rapid transformation. It emphasizes freedom, action, ambition and boldness. However, it also brings restlessness, volatility, careful, strategic leadership and planning is needed now, lots of planning to deal with what we have ahead of us, all of the muses that are here today that we are celebrating our fast paced and dynamic and willing to try new initiatives and break traditional habits and disregard whole conventions,” NYWIFT Chief Executive Officer Cynthia López said in front of the audience. “Thank you to all of the muses that are with us for absolutely you for taking the the time to be here today for your firepower and steadfast trailblazing ways.”
