Photos (Credit: John Salangsang/Shutterstock for WIF)
Pamela Abdy used one of Hollywood’s biggest celebrations of women in entertainment to deliver a pointed message about opportunity, recognition and systemic change.
The Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group executive received the inaugural Vanguard Award at the 2026 WIF Honors on Thursday, Nov. 5. During her acceptance speech, Abdy expressed frustration over the barriers facing women across the entertainment industry and urged greater recognition for their contributions.
The annual benefit gala, presented by Max Mara, took place at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills. It celebrated women whose creative work, advocacy and leadership continue to shape film and television.
Abdy received her award from filmmaker Nancy Meyers. While acknowledging the filmmakers and colleagues who helped shape her career, she also spoke about the growing frustration she feels over the treatment of women in the industry.
Her remarks drew loud applause and a standing ovation. She called for women’s potential to be recognized and elevated, emphasizing the need for opportunities across the entertainment business.
Salma Hayek and Jane Fonda spotlight advocacy
Salma Hayek Pinault received the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award, presented by Fonda herself. The two women later held a conversation about their careers, advocacy work and efforts to create positive change.
Fonda highlighted Hayek Pinault’s journey from arriving in the United States to pursue an acting career to becoming a producer who could bring more of her stories to the screen.
Hayek Pinault also acknowledged activist Dolores Huerta and spoke about the importance of community and women supporting one another. She credited women who helped create opportunities for others and encouraged greater female leadership.
WIF recognizes advocacy in film and television
The ceremony also honored Beth de Araújo and Gemma Chan with the Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film for their collaboration on Josephine. Chan was absent from the event, while actress Emmy Rossum presented the award.
Rossum highlighted the film’s portrayal of violence against women and the experiences of people who witness it. De Araújo, in turn, emphasized mentorship and the responsibility to help emerging women filmmakers access opportunities.
Hannah Waddingham received the Crystal Award for Advocacy in TV from Sharon Stone. The Ted Lasso actress discussed using her public platform to support LGBTQ+ communities, equal pay for underrepresented groups and single working mothers.
Meanwhile, Adria Arjona received the WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award from Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti. She credited the women in her family and those who came before her in the entertainment industry for helping make her career possible.
A wider push for industry change
WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer also urged attendees to continue supporting women through mentorship, hiring and investment in emerging storytellers.
Founded in 1973, WIF has spent more than five decades advocating for gender equity in the screen industries. Its work includes career development, research and initiatives designed to address systemic barriers.
The 2026 ceremony brought that mission into focus through its honorees. However, Abdy’s speech made the evening’s broader message especially clear. Recognition matters, but creating lasting change also requires the industry to open more doors for women behind the scenes and in positions of leadership.
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