Former “Daily Show” correspondent Jessica Williams is set to host the 2017 Crystal + Lucy Awards. Elizabeth Banks, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Mira Nair are among the women being honored at the event, a press release from Women in Film, Los Angeles (WIF LA) has announced.
Set for June 13 in Beverly Hills, this year’s fundraising dinner, themed “Evolve,” will be in support of WIF LA’s educational and philanthropic programs and its work advocating for gender equality in the entertainment industry.
“Pitch Perfect 2” director and actress Banks will receive the The Crystal Award for Excellence in Film, which honors “outstanding women who, through their endurance and the excellence of their work, have helped to expand the role of women within the entertainment industry.” The three-time Emmy nominated actress is set to direct two high-profile female-led films: a “Charlie’s Angels” reboot and an adaptation of Victoria Aveyard’s YA dystopian fantasy “Red Queen.” In 2016 Banks founded WhoHaha, a digital comedy platform for women.
The Lucy Award for Excellence in Television will be given to “Black-ish” star Ross. Named after Lucille Ball, the award recognizes “women and men and their creative works that exemplify the extraordinary accomplishments she embodied; whose excellence and innovation have enhanced the perception of women through the medium of television.” Ross’ role on “Black-ish” has earned her a Golden Globe and the 2015 and 2016 NAACP Image Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series. In her Globes acceptance speech, Ellis said, “This is for all of the women of color and colorful people whose stories, ideas and thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important. I want you to know that I see you and we see you.” Her other credits include “Girlfriends,” “Reed Between the Lines,” and “CSI.”
“Queen of Katwe” helmer Nair will receive The BMW Dorothy Arzner Directors Award, “established to recognize the important role women directors play in the film and television industries.” Nair’s feature debut, “Salaam Bombay!” scored an Oscar nod in 1989. Her other credits include “The Reluctant Fundamentalist,” “Amelia,” and “Monsoon Wedding.”
Rising star Zoey Deutch snagged The Women In Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award, “given to an actress who is experiencing a turning point in her career through her work in the film and television industries, through her contributions to the community at large, in recognition of her outstanding achievements, and her embodiment of style and grace.” “Before I Fall,” “Why Him?” and “Everybody Wants Some!!” are among her recent credits.
The Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award will go to former “CBS Evening News” anchor Dan Rather. Named after the first woman President of the Beverly Hills Bar Association, this honor is presented “to individuals who, like Ms. Zarky herself, have demonstrated enlightened support for the advancement of equal opportunity and devotion to the improvement of the human condition.”
Co-Presidents and Co-Founders of Sony Pictures Classics Michael Barker and Tom Bernard will receive The Women In Film Beacon Award, “presented to an entertainment industry professional for outstanding leadership in the advancement of gender equity, signaling and celebrating unbiased decision making in media.” Barker and Bernard have worked with directors such as Nicole Holofcener, Agnes Varda, Sally Potter, Lisa Cholodenko, Marielle Heller, Maren Ade, Meera Menon, and Marjane Satrapi. They “will be given the inaugural award for their unmatched support of female filmmakers consistently and throughout the entire history of their careers,” the press release states.
