The Women in Film organization has been active in Malibu for decades, but recently the group geared up for its main event.
Every year, the Crystal and Lucy Awards celebrate the dedication, determinism, drive and creativity of women (and a few distinguished men) in the biz of making unforgettable movies and memorable television.
Jenna Elfman hosted the gala, which also marked Women in Film’s 40th Anniversary. In honor of that milestone, Crystal and Lucy Commemorative Awards were handed out on stage to past honorees in recognition of their stellar achievements over the years.
Before these Commemorative Awards were presented, “American Idol” Season 12 winner Candice Glover and finalist Angie Miller performed live.
There was an impressive lineup of honorees. They included Laura Linney, who walked away with The Crystal Award for Excellence in Film, which was presented by producer and director Alan Poul.
It was a blast to the past for the stars of AMC’s “Mad Men.” Actress Holly Hunter presented Elisabeth Moss, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, Jessica Paré and Kiernan Shipka with The Lucy Award for Excellence in Television.
Talented Sofia Coppola was also on the roster, getting The Dorothy Arzner Directors Award, which was presented to her by writer, director and producer Nancy Meyers.
Film legend George Lucas snagged The Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, which was graciously given to him by longtime colleague and Lucasfilm Ltd. President Kathleen Kennedy.
There’s always a Women in Film Face of the Future Award, and this year’s went to Hailee Steinfeld.
Last, but not least, Rachel Morrison accepted The Kodak Vision Award, which was presented to her by actor Michael B. Jordan.
Previous Crystal and Lucy Awards honorees and additional glittering guests in attendance included: Amy Brenneman, Amy Heckerling, Blake Berris, Cameron Silver, Debra Messing, Rose McGowan, Diahann Carroll, Diane Warren, Francesca Eastwood, Frank Marshall, Gail Berman-Masters, Gale Anne Hurd, Garry Marshall, George Kotsiopoulos, Holly Robinson Peete, Jane Anderson and Jeffrey Katzenberg, to name a few.
Two-time host Jenna Elfman opened the ceremony with a light-hearted intro.
“It’s such an honor, although, you know what’s an even bigger honor? Actually winning a Women in Film Award. I mean, I guess, I wouldn’t know, but it seems like something one would treasure,” she quipped.
No doubt all the Women in Film award winners went home with something they can cherish marking special accomplishments of a lifetime.
Upon accepting The Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award, George Lucas acknowledged his sisters for taking care of him and “training him,” his daughters, who kept him going and kept him honest, and now his new bride, Melody, “is definitely qualified to keep me in my place…I’ve worked with lots and lots of women at my company. I’ve been surrounded by women. I kind of like it.”
May the femmes be with you.