At the inaugural Empowerment in Entertainment Gala, The Hollywood Reporter will honor iconic media mogul Oprah Winfrey with the first ever Empowerment in Entertainment Award, presented by multi Grammy-winning winning musician Alicia Keys, for her decades-long work as a champion and fierce advocate for inclusion in entertainment.
The event will be accompanied by a dedicated issue of The Hollywood Reporter spotlighting 50 “agents of change” who are leading the entertainment industry’s efforts in this area. The gala will also celebrate the formal launch of the Young Executives Fellowship program, a joint venture from WME (William Morris Endeavor); Amazon Studios; the Compton, Inglewood and L.A. Unified School Districts; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater L.A.; USC School of Cinematic Arts; Howard University and Emerson College.
Actress and singer Selena Gomez is set to introduce the initiative, which aims to create a pipeline for teenage boys and girls from underserved communities in South and East L.A. to become future leaders in the film, TV and music business. Acclaimed journalist Don Lemon will deliver the keynote address with Academy Award nominee Kumail Nanjiani set to give opening remarks. Recognizing individuals who have created opportunities for people of color, women, members of the LGBTQ community and other emerging voices in the industry, the gala is presented by WME with platinum sponsor Amazon Studios. The event is also sponsored by eOne, IMAX, OWN, and Starz.
The event takes place on April 30 at Milk Studios, 855 North Cahuenga Boulevard, Los Angeles.
