On a powerful evening at the Ritz Carlton Toronto, Margaret Atwood, internationally acclaimed for her novel The Handmaid’s Tale, received the prestigious ICON Award during the second annual Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada event. The 2025 summit brought together the brightest women in Canadian media, with Atwood’s wit, humility, and timeless insight anchoring the night.
Reflecting on Hulu’s bold decision to adapt The Handmaid’s Tale into a full series in 2016, Atwood admitted, “It was a gamble. And the gamble paid off.” The show’s dystopian narrative resonated globally, especially in politically charged climates, igniting conversations about women’s rights and social justice.
Honoring Canada’s Trailblazing Women in Media
A Star-Studded Celebration of Empowerment and Creativity
From authors and filmmakers to journalists and musicians, the WIE Canada gala served as a vibrant platform for celebrating Canadian women leading the entertainment industry. Hosted by The Hollywood Reporter in partnership with Access Canada, the all-day event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and awards recognizing innovation, resilience, and creative leadership.
Notable attendees and honorees included:
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Humberly González (Orphan Black)
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Anita Lee, Chief Programmer at TIFF
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Debra Rathwell, AEG Presents Executive
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Magali Simard, Cinespace Studios Executive
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Amrit Kaur, actor from The Sex Lives of College Girls
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Christina Jennings, founder of Shaftesbury
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Tantoo Cardinal, legendary actress
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Jeanne Beker, fashion and lifestyle journalist
Powerful Moments and Award Highlights
Amrit Kaur’s Breakthrough Moment
Amrit Kaur, known for her dynamic role in The Sex Lives of College Girls, received the Breakthrough Award. Her passionate speech moved the crowd as she encouraged fellow Canadian women and industry decision-makers to create bold, unapologetic stories.
“Women have intuition. We’re not scared of the truth the way men are… I want you guys to fund art that fuels our fire,” Kaur declared.
Christina Jennings Breaks the Glass Ceiling
Veteran producer Christina Jennings, behind hits like Murdoch Mysteries and Hudson & Rex, received the Glass Ceiling Award. She reflected on her journey growing up during the women’s rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s and emphasized the ongoing challenges women face in today’s media landscape.
“It’s frightening to see that diversity, equity, and inclusion are being stripped back in the U.S.,” she stated with conviction.
Tantoo Cardinal and Indigenous Recognition
The Equity in Entertainment Award went to Tantoo Cardinal, a Cree and Métis actress whose body of work spans decades. She acknowledged Canada’s painful history, including the Sixties Scoop and residential school tragedies, and highlighted the healing power of storytelling.
“Our history will tell you we found truths in our survival… touched by the spirits of those that did not,” Cardinal shared.
Jeanne Beker’s Emotional Impact
Fashion icon Jeanne Beker, honored with the IMPACT Award, reminisced about building her career during a time when women often competed against one another. Her emotional speech acknowledged the shifting landscape toward unity, support, and collaboration among women in media today.
“To see this incredible community radiating so much light and support is absolutely heart-swelling,” Beker said tearfully.
WIE Canada Power List & Mentorship Program
45 Women Leading the Future of Entertainment
The event also spotlighted the WIE Canada Power List, showcasing 45 leading Canadian women reshaping film, television, and music. THR’s Shirley Halperin and Jeanie Pyun introduced these luminaries, praising their innovation and perseverance.
Additionally, the WIE Canada Mentorship Program introduced its first cohort: Jessica Commanda, Aman Kaur Khangura, Julisa Marcel, Kipola Wakilongo, Olivia Weatherall, and Dianne Wulf. These emerging talents will receive mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities to launch their careers in the entertainment industry.
Celebrating the Return of WIE Canada
Produced once again by Access Canada, the 2025 edition followed the successful inaugural summit in 2024, which featured major Canadian celebrities like Lilly Singh, Kim Cattrall, Nia Vardalos, and Devery Jacobs. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, brilliance, and rising influence of Canadian women in entertainment.
