The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Gala recap

SHIFTER’s Emmy Carlos Rayman shares the sights and sounds from The Hollywood Reporter Women In Entertainment Gala in Toronto.

“I attribute a big part of my success to being from Toronto and Canada…We’re able to tap into different superpowers…I expect many more Canadians to dominate to be honest.” -Lilly Singh

An elevator ascends to the second floor of Toronto’s Ritz Carlton Hotel. A glamorous walkway with copies of The Hollywood Reporter sit atop each end table. Afternoon light reflects off the “gold carpet” primed for the notable female figures which the night honors. A spirit of recognition perfumes the air at this uniquely Canadian, female-centric event. The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment gala event saw impactful, creative, and inspiring females converge for one glamours evening. The third such gala presented by The Hollywood Reporter honored the Canadian women bringing fresh and daring perspectives to television and beyond. Conversations of female leadership, business, and creativity were omnipresent. Rare chances to network and socialize were all but built into the schedule. The festivities included:

• Talks by female speakers Barbera Williams and Sarah Burke
• A book signing by Heated Rivalry author and Changemaker Award recipient Rachel Reid
• The gold carpet presented by Netflix
• A pre-awards reception presented by Paramount Plus
• The Women in Entertainment Tribute Awards held in the main ballroom hosted by Etalk anchors Lainy Lui and Sonja Manjat
• A closing cocktail reception

SHIFTER held a prime position on the glittery gold carpet beneath a white greenery draped step and repeat. This  formed the perfect backdrop for the night’s photographers. In partnership with Netflix, notable guests included Sullivan’s Crossing and North of North made appearances. Lindura and Meaghan Ory of Sullivan’s Crossing, and North of North showrunners Stacy Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, all discussed their highly acclaimed and beloved projects.

Toronto’s own Lilly Singh stopped for some laughs and questions. As the night’s Equity in Entertainment award recipient, Singh had much to say and even shared her summer Soca playlist featuring Bunji Garlin’s “Still a Roadman”, Machel Montano’s “Encore”, and V’ghn and Terra D Governor’s Jab Decisions”.

When asked about Canadian talent like herself, Drake, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander succeeding and dominating in the United States compared to when she started her career, Singh wasn’t surprised.

“I’m not shocked at all”, she responded. “I attribute a big part of my success to being from Toronto and Canada. I think the way we’re able to relate to culture. We’re able to tap into different superpowers. That’s very unique to us. It’s not a shock to me. I expect many more Canadians to dominate to be honest.”

Singh, a Scarborough native of Punjab descent, proudly embraces her South Asian roots and weaves it into much of her advocacy and passion projects. In 2019 she became the first female of South Asian decent to host a late-night talk show, A Little Late with Lilly Singh, which NBC ordered two seasons of. Despite its short run, she told SHIFTER it was simply a learning experience and that she “knows what to ask next,”. With a digital audience of 40+ million she still has plenty of viewers to make impressions upon. Her Unicorn Island fund “empowers girl to live without limits” and continues the work from her “Girl love” initiative to combat bullying among girls.
Moreover, an ardent supporter of women’s sports she joined ownership of Toronto’s WNBA team the Toronto Tempo. Singh would later add the gala’s Equity in Entertainment” to her long list of accolades and give a tender acceptance speech.

As the clock struck seven, the night’s marquee event began. Guests entered an expansive ballroom with glossy white logo stamped balloons floating to the ceiling. Even from the rear, the main podium was easily visible, making for excellent video coverage. Lainy Lui would host the hour and a half event which paid tribute to a series of impact females. Jeanie Pyun would preset the Canadian Women in Power List and Heated Rivalry author Rachel Ried would be celebrated. Other women of honor included:

• Malin Akerman (Impact)
• Andrea Martin (Icon)
• Stacy Aglok MacDonald (Breakthrough)
• Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Breakthrough)

The evening concluded with a few nibbles and refreshments. The catering crew served up nori clad mango sushi, spicy chicken skews, and crunchy potato puffs. Glasses of red and white were distributed for a final clinging and a candy buffet offered gummies galore. Blue and Green candy floss, gourmet popcorn, and The Hollywood Reporter’s latest issue were offered as guests exited the event.

The Women in Entertainment gala event was more than an evening soiree; it was a commemoration of the power collectively held by female creatives. Women of all different shapes, styles, and colors were celebrated, honored, and noted. This event truly paid homage to the females bringing modern breezy ideas to our TV screens. Shattering stereotypes and smashing glass ceilings are all in a day’s work. When offered a platform to lead, narrate, and create, the industry is enhanced to the core. Stories from marginalized groups serve to tell a “truer truth”. These celebrations remind creative females everywhere; the sky’s the limit!

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