Hollywood’s most luminous talents converged on Friday evening for the 19th annual Women In Film (WIF) Oscar Nominees celebration, a prestigious soirée dedicated to honoring the groundbreaking female voices shaping the cinematic landscape. Presented by Max Mara, the event, held at the historic Wheelhouse in West Hollywood, a former villa once frequented by the legendary Bette Davis, underscored the ongoing commitment to advancing gender equity within the film industry. The gathering served as a vital platform to acknowledge and applaud the nominees whose work is not only critically acclaimed but also instrumental in fostering a more inclusive and representative Hollywood.
The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as actresses, directors, producers, and costume designers, all nominated for the upcoming Academy Awards, began arriving around 6:30 p.m. The iconic venue, steeped in Hollywood history, provided a fitting backdrop for an evening that celebrated both established and emerging female talent. As guests navigated the step-and-repeat, a lively scene unfolded with attendees mingling over an al fresco charcuterie spread. Among those seen engaging in conversation were Lisa Rinna and her husband Harry Hamlin, who were observed perusing the cocktail menu, opting for signature drinks such as "The Leading Lady" and "Best Picture Spritz," further enhancing the celebratory mood.
A Resolute Call for Continued Progress
As dusk settled, casting a warm glow over the assembled guests, the official program commenced beneath a canopy of twinkling fairy lights adorning the pool area. WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer took the stage, delivering a poignant address that resonated deeply with the audience. "So many of us have spent a career—or a lifetime—fighting for a seat at a table that was never built with us in mind," Schaffer declared, her words echoing the collective struggle for recognition and opportunity. She continued, "Tonight, we celebrate. Not because the work is done, but because we refuse to stop." This powerful statement encapsulated the spirit of WIF’s mission: to champion women in film and advocate for their equal representation and advancement.
Following Schaffer, WIF board president Syrinthia Studer eloquently dedicated the celebration to "the women who showed up, who told stories that needed to be told, who stood in front of the camera and commanded it, and those who stood behind it and shaped entire worlds." Her words paid homage to the diverse contributions of women across all facets of filmmaking. The evening’s honorees then took turns on stage, each stepping forward to proudly announce their names and their respective 2026 Oscar nominations, creating a powerful tableau of achievement and ambition.
Honorees Share Their Nominations and Enthusiasm
Among the distinguished nominees gracing the stage was Kate Hudson, exuding elegance in a flowing Max Mara gown. Without preamble, she announced, "Hi, I’m Kate Hudson, and I’m nominated for Best Actress for a movie I did called Song Sung Blue," drawing an immediate wave of enthusiastic cheers from the attendees. Hudson’s presence underscored the breadth of talent recognized at the event. The microphone was then passed to Diane Warren, nominated for Best Original Song for her work in Dear Me. Warren, a seasoned songwriter with numerous accolades, seized the moment to express her admiration for Hudson’s film, exclaiming, "Did you guys see Song Sung Blue?! It’s f***ing great." This candid endorsement highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect among the nominees.
The energy within the gathering reached a crescendo when seven of the women behind the critically acclaimed film Hamnet united on stage. Liza Marshall, the producer of Hamnet, introduced her collaborators with pride, stating, "I’m Liza Marshall, the producer of Hamnet. This is a very female-[centered] film, and these are all our incredible collaborators," her words met with a resounding round of applause. The collective presence of the Hamnet team served as a potent symbol of collaborative success driven by female leadership.
A Night of Camaraderie and Culinary Delights
Following the formal acknowledgments, the more than 30 nominees posed for a memorable group photograph, a snapshot of a pivotal moment in their careers. As the official program concluded, the celebration transitioned into a more relaxed atmosphere, with guests dispersing throughout the opulent Wheelhouse. Servers circulated with an array of delectable hors d’oeuvres, including mini burgers, spicy tuna on crispy rice, and chicken and waffles, ensuring that attendees remained well-catered throughout the evening.
Alicia Silverstone, a prominent figure in Hollywood, was observed engaging in conversations, clearly delighted by the opportunity to mingle in the former residence of the iconic Bette Davis. Her film, Bugonia, had garnered significant attention and multiple nominations, and her excitement was palpable. Speaking with Vogue, Silverstone expressed her admiration for director Yorgos Lanthimos and lead actress Emma Stone, further highlighting her appreciation for the diverse and impactful films nominated this year, including Sentimental Value and Hamnet.
On the front patio, Supriya Ganesh, who has received widespread acclaim for her role as Dr. Samira Mohan in The Pitt, shared her sentiments. "I’m so happy to be around such an amazing creative community," she remarked, candidly admitting to navigating the whirlwind of awards season "by the seat of her pants." Ganesh elaborated on the profound impact of the films she had seen that year, specifically mentioning Sinners, Sentimental Value, and One Battle After Another as particularly resonant.
Adding to the vibrant mix was rising reality television star Maura Higgins, fresh from the finale of The Traitors season 4. Higgins, enjoying a well-deserved respite, expressed her joy at reuniting with her Traitors cast mate, Lisa Rinna. "She calls me her daughter and I’m like, ‘That’s my American mom,’" Higgins quipped with a laugh, underscoring the unexpected but cherished connections formed during her time on the show.
Dove Cameron, another notable presence at the event, conveyed her enthusiasm for the evening’s purpose. "I love women! And I love film," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with passion. "Tonight feels beautiful and uplifting. It’s nice to celebrate all the women who are kicking f***ing ass," Cameron added, her statement capturing the empowering essence of the celebration.
WIF’s Enduring Impact and the Road Ahead
The Women In Film Oscar Nominees celebration has become an indispensable fixture in the pre-Academy Awards calendar. Since its inception, the event has consistently provided a vital platform for recognizing and amplifying the voices of women in the film industry. WIF’s advocacy extends beyond celebratory events, encompassing initiatives such as mentorship programs, grants, and research aimed at addressing systemic gender disparities. The organization’s ongoing efforts have demonstrably contributed to increased opportunities for women in directing, screenwriting, producing, and other key roles within Hollywood.
The data consistently reflects the impact of such advocacy. According to the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, while progress has been made, women continue to be underrepresented in key roles. For instance, in the top-grossing films of 2022, women accounted for only 13% of directors and 17% of writers. Events like the WIF celebration serve not only to honor current achievements but also to galvanize continued efforts to close these gaps. The increasing number of female nominees across various categories, as evidenced by this year’s WIF event, signals a positive trajectory, yet underscores the persistent need for sustained advocacy.
The implications of this event extend beyond the immediate recognition of nominees. By bringing together influential figures from across the industry, the celebration fosters crucial networking opportunities and strengthens the bonds within a community dedicated to progress. The shared experiences and aspirations articulated by the honorees and attendees alike contribute to a collective momentum that drives positive change. As the film industry continues to evolve, the role of organizations like Women In Film remains paramount in ensuring that the stories we see on screen are as diverse and inclusive as the world we inhabit. The success of this year’s celebration is a testament to the enduring power of female talent and the unwavering commitment of WIF to champion their contributions.