The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Women in Entertainment Gala brought together honorees, mentors, students, and industry leaders to celebrate progress in representation, leadership, and opportunity across film and television. The program once again highlighted the transformative impact of its long-running mentorship and scholarship initiatives, which continue to open doors for emerging talent.
This year’s ceremony marked a major milestone with the presentation of more than one million dollars in university scholarships to high school seniors from underserved communities, directly supporting the next generation of storytellers as they begin their educational and professional journeys.
A defining moment of the gala came with Jennifer Lopez’s acceptance of The Hollywood Reporter’s Equity in Entertainment Award. Introduced with high praise as a generational talent and trailblazer, the award-winning singer, actress, and producer delivered a powerful and deeply personal reflection on representation, perseverance, and navigating an industry that did not always make space for her.
“In the early days of my career, I often felt like that Puerto Rican girl in the Bronx wasn’t supposed to be in the room, let alone at the center of it,” Lopez shared. “I was told in a hundred different ways what roles people like me were expected to play.”
She spoke candidly about stereotypes that tried to box her in before she had the chance to show what she could do, and credited the 1997 film Selena as the pivotal turning point that changed the trajectory of her career. Lopez also honored Latina trailblazers including Rita Moreno, Dolores del Río, and Chita Rivera, acknowledging the path they created for artists like her.
The gala also honored Gwyneth Paltrow with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award. In her remarks, Paltrow reflected on the experience of building a career in entertainment while navigating public scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and strong support networks for women in the industry.
The program also included a poignant tribute honoring the late Diane Keaton. Goldie Hawn and Sarah Paulson took the stage to deliver a special remembrance, reflecting on Keaton’s remarkable legacy and her enduring influence on generations of actors and filmmakers. Their appearance added warmth and emotional resonance to the evening, underscoring the gala’s celebration of both emerging talent and enduring icons.
In addition to the gala, The Hollywood Reporter, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation hosted a separate celebration marking 16 years of mentorship and impact. The gathering brought together program alumni, longtime mentors, and industry partners to honor the thousands of hours of guidance and support that have helped shape aspiring storytellers over more than a decade. The evening underscored the essential role of consistent mentorship in widening access to the entertainment industry and uplifting young people from underserved communities.
The Golden Globe Foundation is proud to be a longtime supporter of The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program and Scholarship Fund, standing alongside partners who believe in creating real, sustainable entry points into the entertainment industry. Together, these programs continue to elevate students, empower mentors, and strengthen a more inclusive future for film, television, and media.
