New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), which focuses on gender equality in the New York entertainment industry, will celebrate its 40th anniversary by honoring six leading women in entertainment at the 38th Annual Muse Awards on Dec. 14 at the New York Hilton Midtown.
The gala, emceed by Nancy Giles, will honor women who have made strides in film, television, and digital media. The honorees for this year’s Muse Awards are actress and producer Laura Dern, Refinery 29’s Chief Content Officer Amy Emmerich, and Tony-winning actress Judith Light. Regina K. Scully, founder and CEO of Artemis Rising Foundation and a social justice filmmaker, will receive the 12th Annual Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award, which is given to an individual, organization, or corporation in entertainment that has helped to create and bring about significant change to benefit and aid women.
The event will also feature the debut of two new awards: the Nancy Malone Directing Award and an honor from the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment, both of which are intended to recognize exceptional leadership and drive. Writer and director Julie Dash will receive the first ever Nancy Malone Directing Award. Meanwhile, commissioner Julie Menin of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment will present actress Alysia Reiner with the new “made in NY” award.
“The Muse Awards is an incredible display of the fantastic work women are doing in the industry and an event we look forward to every year,” said Terry Lawler, New York Women in Film & Television’s executive director. “As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of our organization, this year’s commemoration of women’s outstanding achievements is extraordinarily inspiring and encouraging to the continued pursuit of success at a critical time in our industry.”
