Charlize Theron honored at Women in Entertainment gala

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Charlize Theron arrives at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. (Photo: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Charlize Theron has begun to observe more women in positions of authority within the film industry.

"Women are demolishing the entire... structure," Theron said after receiving the prestigious Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment breakfast gala in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The Oscar-winning actress was presented with the award by her close friend Seth Rogen for her pioneering achievements and philanthropic efforts in Hollywood.

Theron lauded female leaders who have paved the way as studio department heads, directors, and producers, as well as those who have founded their own production companies. She stated that women should utilize one another as resources to bolster their voices.

Theron stated, "I want us to hold each other accountable, use each other as resources, and push each other to continue using our voices and platforms for something greater than ourselves." The actor stated that her Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, an organization dedicated to making a difference for people in South Africa, has inspired her.

"They see opportunity and room for change, growth, and inclusion in the face of what we would consider adversity or concrete ceilings," Theron said.

Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep, Viola Davis, Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Anniston, and Barbra Streisand are among the previous recipients.

In an emotional speech, Rogen referred to Theron as the most impressive person he has ever met. He then joked that he is physically hesitant to collaborate with Theron because "she murders people in every movie she makes."

The audience collectively laughed at Rogen's joke. The actor provided additional comic relief when he jokingly poked fun at the event's absent presenter, Kim Kardashian.

"I've watched every episode of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'." As the audience laughed and applauded, Rogen stated, "I'm sure she's not doing anything more important than this." Then he added, "She has never accomplished anything more significant than this."

Theron lauded the accomplishments of Issa Rae, who was awarded the Equity in Entertainment Award for elevating the voices of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.

Yvonne Orji, who presented Rae with the award, described her as a "risk taker" and "unique visionary." In her five-season HBO series "Insecure," which concluded in 2021, Rae was credited with creating opportunities for people of color and showcasing the beauty of south Los Angeles.

"What stands out most to me is her unwavering support for the marginalized, her extreme selflessness, and her unwavering belief that everyone can win," said Orji, an "Insecure" star.

Rae attributed a portion of her success to "operating from a scared place."

"It makes you impatient for desired outcomes," she said. It makes you fearless towards things you would ordinarily fear.

As part of THR's Women in Entertainment mentorship program, Jamie Lee Curtis, Janelle Monae, Margot Robbie, Addison Rae, and Gracie Abrams were awarded scholarships.

Los Angeles high school senior girls from underserved communities were awarded approximately $1 million in university scholarships. Additionally, the high school students will be paired with top-tier female entertainment executives, attorneys, and agents.

The Edie Wasserman Women in Hollywood Fund also provided new Apple Mac Book Air laptops to the incoming class of mentees for the year 2023.

Publish : 2022-12-08 12:50:00

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