19
Dec
Support System: Women in Entertainment Come Out in Force for Hollywood Reporter Breakfast
0 Comments | Posted by thatgirl in 21st Century Bellist, All Dolled Up, That Girl
Image courtesy of the Associated Press
The Hollywood Reporter hosted its annual Women in Entertainment Breakfast on Friday, December 4 at The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The breakfast pays respect to the top 100 women in the entertainment industry, recently ranked in a special issue of the magazine. Attendees included Eva Longoria Parker, Hilary Swank and Halle Berry who was presented with the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award. Other notable guests were AnnaLynne McCord (from the CW’s 90210), Camryn Manheim and Nicole Sullivan. The event’s main sponsors were Audi, Damiani Jewellers and L’Oreal. Those included in the top 100 list spoke with news affiliates on the red carpet about what it means to be a woman in the entertainment industry, whether they are an actress, producer or CEO. Some revealed the industry is still a “boys club,” noting that they had definitely experienced struggles and obstacles in their profession. Some even described it in the sociological term of having to break through the “glass ceiling.”
The day began with a champagne reception before the breakfast commenced in the Crystal Ballroom, where over 500 guests were seated. Eva Longoria Parker took to the stage first to talk about the importance of mentors in her life. She described how she was raised in a very selfless family and feels deeply passionate that it is “my responsibility to give back.” Hilary Swank spoke about how “success means becoming your best successful self” and noted how far she has come in her life from the kid who was raised in a trailer park. There was a very strong sense of unity in the decidedly female audience, especially as Swank concluded that “I hope we continue to support each other.” Finally, Halle Berry was welcomed on stage as she was presented with the much-respected Sherry Lansing award. The actress spoke at length about women who have inspired her over the years, most notably her fifth-grade teacher whom she used to have “cookie talks” with consisting of deep conversations and the baking of cookies together.
The entire ceremony was a success and brought together a hugely talented and inspirational group of women. Support and mentorship were the key components, not only of the breakfast but within the industry.