The who’s who of Canadian entertainment gathered in Toronto on Thursday for a landmark event: The Hollywood Reporter’s inaugural Women in Entertainment (WIE) Canada Summit. Held at the Park Hyatt Hotel, the day-long gathering served as a platform to celebrate the achievements of women across film, television, and music, while fostering dialogue about achieving gender parity in the industry.
A Star-Studded Celebration of Power and Progress
The summit boasted an impressive roster of attendees, including renowned actresses like Nia Vardalos, Lilly Singh, Kim Cattrall, and Catherine Reitman. Renowned director Kari Skogland and rising star Devery Jacobs were also present, adding to the diverse and influential assembly.
A highlight of the event was the WIE Canada Tribute Awards, which honored several outstanding women. Kim Cattrall, the iconic Samantha Jones from Sex and the City, received the Icon Award, acknowledging her lasting influence and contributions. “I’m not sure what the requirements are for being an icon, but I’m 67, and I’m rocking with that,” Cattrall quipped as she accepted the award.
Continuing the spirit of recognition, The Hollywood Reporter unveiled its inaugural Canadian Women’s Power List. This list, released in conjunction with the summit, celebrates 42 influential women shaping the Canadian entertainment landscape. Jeanie Pyun, Deputy Editorial Director of The Hollywood Reporter, proudly welcomed each honoree to the stage, acknowledging their diverse talents and leadership roles.
Breaking Barriers and Championing Inclusion
The summit wasn’t just about celebrating past achievements; it was also a space for driving positive change. A powerful panel on gender parity featured R&B singer and actress Jully Black. Black emphasized the importance of open communication and collaboration, stating, “Load up your slingshot. Put three rocks in there. Have the conversation.” This metaphor captured the need for proactive discussions to pave the way for a more inclusive entertainment industry.
Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, was another influential figure at the summit. As a recipient of the Glass Ceiling Award, she acknowledged the challenges women face in the industry but also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to support and collaborate with remarkable colleagues.
Devery Jacobs, a rising star and Power List member received the Impact Award during the gala. While recognizing the historical struggles faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, she ultimately embraced the award as a chance to honor the path paved by pioneering Indigenous women before her. “I aspire to be like these women and women with us in the room tonight,” she declared, highlighting the importance of celebrating trailblazers.
Several other prominent figures delivered impactful speeches during the summit. Director and actress Karena Evans, receiving the Breakthrough Award, expressed her gratitude for the sense of recognition, stating, “Feeling seen is one of my favorite emotions.” Meanwhile, director Deepa Mehta used her platform to bring awareness to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The summit concluded with an exciting announcement from Telefilm Canada CEO Julie Roy, who unveiled plans for a forthcoming WIE Canada mentorship program. This initiative promises to further empower future generations of women in Canadian entertainment.
Highlighting Canadian Success on a Global Stage
The inaugural WIE Canada Summit marked a significant milestone. By bringing together such a diverse and accomplished group of women, the event fostered a spirit of unity and collaboration. More importantly, it provided a platform to recognize the achievements of Canadian women in entertainment, placing their talent and leadership on a global stage.
