It was not a ladies who lunch type of afternoon. This was the gathering of industry giants out to inspire and create change.
New York Women In Film & Television this week made Hollywood shine even brighter during the 43rd Annual Muse Awards. The lively and lavish luncheon was remarkable for being a monumental moment to bring a positive message of hope to the field.
NYWIFT firmly believes media has the power to change hearts and minds. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our greater mission and at the core of who we are and what we do. As they strive to strengthen gender parity in the entertainment industry, they create, operate and foster positive change for talent in the workplace, staff and board, and content and programming.
New York, NY – 3/28/23 – New York Women in Film & Television 43rd Annual MUSE Awards held at Ciprani 42nd St.
-PICTURED: Maria Hinojosa
Dave Allocca / StarPix
“The power in this room could light up a small city,” stated NYWIFT CEO, Cynthia Lopez as she greeted attendees from the stage.
The impact at Cipriani 42nd Street was heartfelt ass MUSE Award honorees were joyfully toasted for their gusto and bravery including: Arianna Bocco (President, IFC Films); Danielle Brooks (Actor and Singer), The Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment “Made in NY” Award, Deborah Chow (Director, Writer, Executive Producer), Nancy Malone (Directing Award), Maria Hinojosa (Journalist, Anchor, Executive Producer – Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism), Sandra Lee (Advocate, Activist, Philanthropist, Home Life Expert), Freida Pinto (Actor, Activist, Producer), Lauren Ridloff Actor – Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award), Sharon Stone (Actor, Artist, and Humanitarian), and Janet Yang (Producer and President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences).
New York, NY – New York Women in Film 43rd Annual MUSE Awards held at Ciprani 42nd St.
PICTURED: Arianna Bocco and Cynthia Lopez
-PHOTO by: Dave Allocca
“It’s a huge honor,”emphasized Chow on the carpet before the luncheon. “I’ve had an association with NYWIFT since I started out. I went to school in New York, so it was an organization that when I was trying to make student films, I’d always be looking up the resources. It was very nice then and this is very nice now.”
The courageous crowd proudly honored how NYWIFT is part of a network of more than 60 women in film organizations worldwide, representing more than 15,000 members. NYWIFT produces over 50 innovative programs and special events annually, including the Muse Awards for Vision and Achievement, which honors women in front of and behind the camera, and Designing Women, which recognizes costume designers, makeup artists and hair stylists in the industry.
New York, NY – 3/28/23 – New York Women in Film & Television 43rd Annual MUSE Awards held at Ciprani 42nd St.
-PICTURED: Sandra Lee,Sharon Stone and Freida Pinto
-PHOTO by: Dave Allocca / StarPix
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All of the incredible speeches captivated the attendees and filled them with inspiration. Such a moment was found when Brooks took the center stage to accept the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment Made in NY Award. She started her speech with a singalong of “New York, New York” and then recalled how as a teenager she first came to the Big Apple and experienced the beauty of the entertainment field.
“My dad was very happy to be the one to take me to this great experience,” she said to the room about her first experience seeing professional art in action that still inspires her career today. “I couldn’t take my eyes off this stage…. I can not stop watching… the heart was racing.”
The poignantly powerful day at the MUSE Awards was summed up perfectly when Stone stood before the audience to be honored. The advocate and humanitarian expressed how every women in the room should walk away feeling emboldened by the ceremony. Stone said after years in the industry she was not afraid to stand up for what she felt was right. A voice of change was what every person should carry proudly.
Earlier Stone reflected on the carpet the wonderful meaning of icons like her being awarded for being industry trailblazers.
I think that I’m only the conduit no matter what I do, whether I’m painting or writing or acting or speaking. I believe that it’s my job to be a worthy conduit. So I feel honored that I get asked, but I believe that I’m only asked for a purpose. So I come here and see what is my purpose of the day.”
Photos courtesy NYWIFT
