#SPOTTED: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT CANADA

On Thursday night, The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada honoured Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Andrea Martin (ICON Award); award-winning entertainer, actress, producer, and New York Times bestselling author Lilly Singh (Equity in Entertainment Award); acclaimed actor and producer Malin Akerman (IMPACT Award); Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid (Changemaker Award) and North of North creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Breakthrough Award), along with a power list of producers, directors, performers, artists and trailblazers who are leading the country’s creative industry. 

The day-long event featured a summit with panels speaking directly to women in the entertainment industry, followed by a cocktail reception and evening awards ceremony.

To access the full Hollywood Reporter Power List, click here. 

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards event that brings the industry together across film, television, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

Some Snaps from the night:

We were on the Carpet and here are the highlights:

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#FIRSTLOOK: BARBARA WILLIAMS TO BE HONOURED AT THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT CANADA GALA

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada will welcome one of the most respected and influential figures in Canadian broadcasting as Barbara Williams, former Executive Vice-President of English Services at CBC/Radio-Canada takes part in a featured conversation at at the 2026 Summit & Awards Gala, taking place May 28 at the Ritz-Carlton Toronto.

More than a retrospective, this conversation will offer candor, insights and inspiration about legacy, the enduring mark that Williams leaves on the industry, and the path she has helped to pave for the women who follow.

As one of the industry’s most repsected and influential figures, Williams has not only guided some of the country’s most important media organizations, but also helped break barriers for women at the highest levels of leadership.

Williams enjoyed an extraordinary 40-year career in Canadian media, opening doors and setting new standards along the way.

Most recently Williams served as Executive Vice-President of English Services at CBC/Radio-Canada, a position she held from 2019 until her recent departure.

Before that, Williams served as Shaw Media’s President, overseeing all aspects of the company’s business.

Prior to that role, she was Senior Vice President of Content for Shaw Media, responsible for the creation of Canadian original producitons, acquisition deals of top U.S. and international series, and scheduling for the company’s conventional network and 19 specialty channels.

Williams also served as Executive Vice President Content at Canwest Broadcasting, Vice-President and General Manager of Toronto 1, and Senior Vice-President of Lifestyle Programming at Alliance Atlantis.

Williams is an award-winning executive who has been recognized with numerous prestigious industry accolades including being a two-time The Hollywood Reporter Canadian Women in Power List Honouree (2024, 2025).

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards event that brings the Canadian industry together across film, television, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

Previously announced honourees include Andrea Martin who will receive the ICON Award, Malin Akerman who will receive the Impact Award to be presented byThe Hunting Wives co-star, Brittany Snow, Rachel Reid who will participate in a main stage feature interview and receive the Changemaker Award, and North of North co-creatorsAlethea Arnaquq-Baril and Stacey Aglok MacDonald who will receive the Breakthrough Award at the May 28 event.

Additional announcements to follow.

For tickets and more information, including schedule and programming details, visit womeninentertainment.ca. Early-bird pricing ends on April 30.

#FIRSTLOOK: BRITTANY SNOW TO PRESENT IMPACT AWARD TO MALIN ȦKERMAN AT THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER GALA

Acclaimed film and television actor Brittany Snow will take the stage at The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada to present the IMPACT Award to Malin Ȧkerman in what promises to be one of the most memorable moments of the May 28, 2026 event at Toronto’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Known for her dynamic performances across film and television, Snow brings both star power and a deep connection to the honouree, making her an especially meaningful presenter for this prestigious recognition.

Snow and Akerman co-star in the Netflix, Lionsgate and 3 Arts smash hit The Hunting Wives, where their on-screen chemistry and compelling performances have generated significant buzz and turned the series into a cultural phenomenon.

Their collaboration adds a personal dimension to the IMPACT Award presentation, underscoring a shared commitment to bold, character-driven storytelling and the kind of creative partnership that continues to propel the series’ unbridled success. The Hunting Wives season one is available for streaming on Crave in Canada, and will be released on Netflix in Canada on April 21, 2026.

The IMPACT Award recognizes Akerman’s outstanding career and influence across film and television, as well as her ability to lead with authenticity, versatility, and global appeal, while maintaining her Canadian roots.

As the Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada continues to spotlight the voices defining the entertainment industry, Snow’s participation further elevates the gala — bringing together two accomplished artists in a celebration of talent, impact, and enduring creative influence on the world stage.

The IMPACT Award is presented in partnership with Lionsgate.

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit and awards that brings the industry together across television, film, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields.

Honourees announced to date include Akerman and Andrea Martin who will receive the ICON Award at the May 28 gala. Additional honourees and special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

For tickets and more information including all schedule and programming details visit www.womeninentertainment.ca.

(Photo credit: Hunter Moreno)

#FIRSTLOOK: AMRIT KAUR TO BE HONOURED AT HOLLYWOOD REPORT WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT CANADA EVENT

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada today announced that Amrit Kaur (The Sex Lives of College Girls; The Queen of My Dreams) will receive the Breakthrough Award at this year’s second annual event on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto, Ontario.

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada’s Breakthrough Award honours rising stars in entertainment and media who are making waves in a big way with bold, innovative storytelling and a distinct artistic vision.

Amrit Kaur

2025 Breakthrough Award Honouree

Amrit Kaur is an artistic hyphenate: actor, writer, comedian and activist whose performances and creative voice have captured the attention of audiences and critics alike.

Kaur is best known for her breakout role as Bela Malhotra on the Max original comedy series The Sex Lives of College Girls. An award-winning actor, Kaur received the ‘Best Actor in a Feature Film’ Award for her dual character work in The Queen of My Dreams at the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards, and was recognized as a TIFF rising star in 2023. She is a member of Gracemoon Arts Company, an international ensemble of actors with a base in Italy, America, and Canada, having collectively opened an off-off Broadway theatre in New York July 2024.

The Breakthrough Award is presented in partnership with Bell Media.

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is a first-of-its-kind summit bringing the industry together across television, film, and music to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Canadian women who are driving the industry forward in their respective fields. As previously announced, acclaimed actress Tantoo Cardinal will receive the Equity in Entertainment Award and iconic fashion and lifestyle journalist Jeanne Beker will be honoured with the IMPACT Award at this year’s event. Additional award recipients and programming for Women in Entertainment Canada 2025 details will be announced later this spring.

Tickets are now available, with an early-bird rate available until Friday, April 25, 2025.

For more information visit www.womeninentertainment.ca.