NYWIFT Uplifts Industry at Annual Muse Awards

New York Women in Film & Television made a magnificent statement when they hosted the annual Muse Awards on March 25.

The women and men who gathered in the landmark venue Cipriani’s on 42nd Street for the beloved luncheon celebrated the 45th milestone event as they honored the female powerhouse figures on deck who all got the memo that it’s fabulous to have a voice in the entertainment industry.

Brave and with a resounding song, each of this year’s nominated professionals had a chance to be in the spotlight. The organization showcased the courage of trailblazers Pamela Anderson, Marissa Bode, Lisa Cortés, Celia Costas, Amy Entelis, and Versha Sharma.

For more over four decades, 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. Themed Metamorphosis, this years soiree evoked a grand sense of evolution, resilience, and growth in the ever-evolving media and entertainment industry.

CBS Sunday Morning contributor, comedian, actress, and self-described “Accidental Pundette” ​Nancy Giles​ emceed the electrifying afternoon that roused up a sense of pride and glory. The dream that anything is possible became a visible reality in this room full of changemakers and luminaries.

“NYWIFT is beyond excited to honor this year’s dynamic group of women, all of whom speak to our theme of metamorphosis. Like the monarch butterfly, these changemakers persist despite the odds, bringing beauty to our world through their creative work and offer us inspiration and hope in challenging times,” said NYWIFT CEO Cynthia Lopez.

One of the most profound speeches of the day came from Anderson, who is most recently noted for her Golden Globe and SAG Award-nominated role in the “The Last Showgirl.”

The crowd was moved to happy tears as she spoke her earnest truth and told everyone in the room that you can re-invent yourself and it is possible to do things on your terms. Her heartfelt message had her rise to the occasion as other incredible honorees also were appreciated for their tremendous impact in the industry.

Just as rousing was the speech from “Wicked” star Bode, who acknowledged from the stage that each person in the room mattered. Every person in room felt that unity and grace that radiated from the stage. This was truly one of the most magical afternoons of the year since it highlighted the powerful force of women who make a difference and fight the battle for change.

NYWIFT was also excited to continue its partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment with the “Made in NY” Award. The “Made in NY” Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to New York City’s entertainment industry over the course of their careers.

“We are thrilled to honor legendary producer Celia Costas, a dynamic force in the world of film production, with a “Made in NY” award at this year’s NYWIFT Muse Awards,” said Commissioner of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Pat Swinny Kaufman. “A born and raised New Yorker, Celia has been celebrated for bringing complex, impactful stories to life and for giving back to the local community by helping to guide and foster the next generation of filmmakers.”

Founded in 1977, NYWIFT connects, educates, and advocates for women to accelerate diversity and equity in media, to better reflect our world and transform our culture. The Muse Awards gala luncheon is NYWIFT’s flagship fundraising event — and a highlight of the New York City entertainment industry calendar — attended by an enthusiastic audience of 700 leading executives from every major studio, broadcast and cable network, and film production facility.

Recent NYWIFT achievements include:

• Producing the two-part NYWIFT FinanceHER Institute, connecting independent filmmakers with leading experts in corporate and institutional funding to learn how to get their projects off the ground.
• Producing the NYWIFT Creative Workforce STEM Summit, bringing together thought leaders across science, medicine, technology, and the creative community to explore the latest advancements.
• Offering the ongoing NYWIFT Masterclass Series, a virtual workshop series offering hands-on skill development taught by acclaimed instructors in areas including Feature Screenwriting, TV Pilot Development, Podcasting, Color Correction, Budgeting, Line Producing, Sports Broadcasting, On-Camera Audition Technique, and more.
• Partnering with The Public Theater to present We the People: Women in Politics on Stage and Screen, celebrating the creative ways storytellers can highlight women changemakers throughout history.
• Presenting the Science in Motion Screening Series in partnership with BAM, a six-part science-themed film program showcasing women filmmakers.
• The NYWIFT Women’s Film Preservation Fund (WFPF), which has preserved almost 150 films involving women in key creative roles across all genres and eras, continues to thrive with recent restoration premieres at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Museum of Modern Art, and Anthology Film Archives.

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