‘We are creating culture’
Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama and Sen. Kamala Harris made surprise appearances at Women in Film’s awards ceremony with special videos, while veteran newsman Dan Rather called the group’s work toward gender parity in entertainment an example of “basic American decency, tolerance and generosity.”
Comedian Jessica Williams hosted the unexpectedly patriotic Crystal + Lucy Awards Tuesday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where F-bombs flew freely and Wonder Woman earned applause any time it was mentioned.
Clinton said she hadn’t seen Wonder Woman yet, but planned to: “Something tells me that a movie about a strong powerful woman fighting to save the world from a massive international disaster is right up my alley,” she said before introducing Crystal Awardwinner Elizabeth Banks.
Lucy Award winner Tracee Ellis Ross was misty-eyed as she watched Obama describe her as brilliant and hilarious.
“Your character on Blackish, Bow, is an inspiration for folks all across this country,” the former first lady said.
In accepting the award named for Lucille Ball, Ross said that “to be a part of reshaping what it is to be a modern woman through the face and being-ness of a joyful black woman is really special.”
But she said she wonders why such representations are so few.
“Why are black women under-represented in the stories that get told?” Ross asked. “That question is not just a question for black women.”
Actress Zoey Deutch received the Max Mara Face of the Future Award, which Banks received eight years ago.
“You get eight years before you get the Old Lady in the Business award, so good luck,” Banks quipped.
She said movies and TV shows by and about women are important because media images shape popular perspectives.
“We are creating culture,” she told the industry-heavy crowd. “We are sending messages out into the world, and those messages matter. Presenting strong independent women who have agency in TV and film, is really important — not just in this room, not just in our culture, but in global culture.”