LakshmiOn May 29, the second edition of The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment’s first-of-its-kind summit and award ceremony took place, celebrating women in Canada’s entertainment industry.
The summit commenced with opening remarks by The Hollywood Reporter‘s Co-Editor-in-Chief Shirley Halperin, which was followed shortly by a panel discussion on The Art of Leadership featuring the women in power in organizations like Canada Media Fund, Fremantle, Bell Media, Pluto TV, TIFF and the Indigenous Screen Office.
Subsequently, leaders from Ontario Creates, Telefilm Canada, House of Anansi, Blink 49 Studios, Spin Master Entertainment and PhemPhat Entertainment joined a panel talk on Women to Watch, showcasing women making waves in the world of entertainment through their creativity and innovation tactics.
Following the insightful discussion Getting to Yes: Empowering Women to Advance in Entertainment, the summit reached a defining moment with its keynote event—an engaging feature interview with Impact Award Honouree Jeanne Beker. With candour and charisma, Beker reflected on her unapologetically bold life, her rise to fashion icon status, memorable encounters with legends like Karl Lagerfeld, and the relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. The conversation was a vibrant tapestry of wisdom and wit, culminating in a heartfelt book signing for her latest release, Heart on My Sleeve: Stories from a Life Well Worn.
The summit wrapped up with discussions on Directing Change and The Power of Music, where leading film and television directors, along with influential figures from the music industry, shared their insights on navigating the entertainment world.
Then came the most important segment: The Hollywood Reporter Tribute Awards. The second annual Tribute Awards honoured five outstanding individuals for their contributions to the Canadian entertainment industry. The event also celebrated the 2025 edition of The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada Power List, along with the inaugural cohort of the WIE CAN Mentorship Program.
This year’s honourees were:
- Amrit Kaur, Breakthrough Award: Amrit Kaur is a talented Canadian actress, producer, and writer who has made a significant mark in the entertainment industry through her dynamic performances and creative vision. She is best known for her breakout role as Bela Malhotra on the critically acclaimed 2021 HBO Max series The Sex Lives of College Girls. In the show, Kaur brings depth, humour, and authenticity to her character, earning widespread praise from audiences and critics alike. Beyond acting, her contributions as a writer and producer highlight her multifaceted talent and growing influence within the industry, both in Canada and internationally.
- Christina Jennings, Glass Ceiling Award: Christina Jennings is a visionary producer renowned for creating award-winning scripted content that resonates with audiences globally. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Shaftesbury, she has built a company recognized for its innovative storytelling and the development of successful, enduring brands. Under her leadership, Shaftesbury has become a major force in the entertainment industry, consistently pushing creative boundaries and setting new standards for excellence.
- Jeanne Beker, Impact Award: Jeanne Beker, CM, is a celebrated Canadian television personality, fashion editor, and author whose influential career has left an indelible mark on both the media and fashion landscapes. Widely recognized as one of Canada’s most iconic style authorities, Beker rose to prominence as the long-time host of the internationally acclaimed fashion series FashionTelevision, where she brought global runway trends and designer interviews into the homes of viewers for over two decades. Beyond the screen, she has contributed her voice and vision to numerous fashion publications, served as a trusted editor, and authored several books that reflect her deep passion for style, culture, and storytelling. With her dynamic presence and trailblazing contributions, Jeanne Beker remains a prominent figure in shaping Canada’s cultural and fashion identity.
- Margaret Atwood, ICON Award: Margaret Atwood is a legendary Canadian writer and cultural icon, celebrated for her sharp literary voice and imaginative storytelling. Since 1961, she has penned a vast body of work—including novels, poetry, nonfiction, short stories, and even graphic novels. Best known for her ground-breaking dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood’s writing has earned her global acclaim and numerous prestigious awards, including two Booker Prizes and the Governor General’s Award. Many of her works have been adapted for film and television, cementing her status as one of the most influential literary figures of our time.
- Tantoo Cardinal, Equity in Entertainment Award: Tantoo Cardinal, a revered actor of First Nations and Métis heritage, has been a transformative force in film, television, and theatre for nearly five decades. With a career spanning over 120 roles, she has powerfully reshaped the landscape of Indigenous representation on screen and stage. Cardinal’s performances are deeply rooted in authenticity, emotion, and cultural truth, making her a pioneer not only in breaking down barriers for Indigenous actors but also in bringing Indigenous stories into the mainstream with dignity and depth. Her trailblazing legacy has opened doors for countless artists, and she continues to inspire new generations through her ground-breaking work and unwavering advocacy for Indigenous voices in the arts.
The Summit + Tribute Awards culminated in an unforgettable day—an experience imbued with inspiration and gravitas. For me personally, the pinnacle was encountering the legendary Margaret Atwood, whose literary works profoundly shaped my formative years. If this is only the second edition of the event, the future of Women in Entertainment in Canada promises to be nothing short of extraordinary.
Lakshmi
