Arts & Entertainment
Ronan Farrow to be honored at Women in Entertainment gala
The Hollywood Reporter on Thursday announced that Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Ronan Farrow will receive the Equity in Entertainment Award at its annual Women in Entertainment breakfast gala.
The honor recognizes an individual who has worked against gender-based discrimination and toward greater inclusion of women and people of color in the entertainment industry. It will be presented by former Fox News anchor, whistleblower and journalist Gretchen Carlson.
Farrow broke the first allegations of rape and sexual assault against Harvey Weinstein in The New Yorker, and is the author of the newly-released New York Times best-seller, “Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators.” The book chronicles how he followed a trail of clues from the Weinstein story to others about the systems that protect powerful men in Hollywood, Washington and beyond.
THR editorial director Matthew Belloni said in a statement, “As journalists, we have a social responsibility to report the facts and unearth the truths. Ronan Farrow was, and is, instrumental to the current state of the entertainment industry. He, alongside the brave women that shared their stories, served as catalysts that will forever change all industries. We’re humbled to honor him with the Equity in Entertainment Award for his industry-shaking work uncovering abuse against women in entertainment.”
Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor and producer Kerry Washington will present previously announced honoree Reese Witherspoon with the prestigious Sherry Lansing Leadership Award. Additionally, EGOT titleholder John Legend will join Charlize Theron to present $1.5 million in university scholarships to high-school seniors from under-served communities in South and East Los Angeles, all of whom have taken part in THR’s acclaimed Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program.
The Women in Entertainment breakfast gala, attended by 600 of the leading women in entertainment, will take place on Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Carlson, Farrow, Legend, Theron, Washington and Witherspoon will be joined by guest editor, Olivia Wilde and keynote speaker, Stacey Abrams.
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Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 45 years at annual gala
‘Sapphire & Sparkle’ Spring Affair held at the Ritz Carlton
The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington held the annual Spring Affair gala at the Ritz Carlton Washington, D.C. on Saturday. The theme for this year’s fete was “Sapphire & Sparkle.” The chorus celebrated 45 years in D.C. with musical performances, food, entertainment, and an awards ceremony.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Executive Director Justin Fyala and Artistic Director Thea Kano gave welcoming speeches. Opening remarks were delivered by Spring Affair co-chairs Tracy Barlow and Tomeika Bowden. Uproariously funny comedian Murray Hill performed a stand-up set and served as the emcee.
There were performances by Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington groups Potomac Fever, 17th Street Dance, the Rock Creek Singers, Seasons of Love, and the GenOUT Youth Chorus.
Anjali Murthy, a member of the chorus and a graduate of the GenOUT Youth Chorus, addressed the attendees of the gala.
“The LGBTQ+ community isn’t bound by blood ties: we are brought together by shared experience,” Murthy said. “Being Gen Z, I grew up with Ellen [DeGeneres] telling me through the TV screen that it gets better: that one day, it’ll all be okay. The sentiment isn’t wrong, but it’s passive. What I’ve learned from GMCW is that our future is something we practice together. It exists because people like you continue to show up for it, to believe in the possibilities of what we’re still becoming”
The event concluded with the presentation of the annual Harmony Awards. This year’s awardees included local drag artist and activist Tara Hoot, the human rights organization Rainbow Railroad as well as Rocky Mountain Arts Association Executive Director, Dr. Chipper Dean.
(Washington Blade photos and videos by Michael Key)
Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
Photos
PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser
The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party
