## From Page to Screen: Margaret Atwood Celebrates the Women Shaping Canada’s Entertainment Landscape
The world knows Margaret Atwood as a literary titan, a master storyteller weaving tales of dystopias, feminism, and the power of language. But her influence extends far beyond the written word. Atwood, a champion of creative excellence, recently lent her voice to celebrate a new generation of Canadian women making their mark on the entertainment industry.
In a powerful message to The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Canada honorees, Atwood not only praised their individual achievements but also acknowledged the collective force they represent. This isn’t just about individual accolades, it’s about a cultural shift, a recognition of the vital role women play in shaping the stories we see and hear.
Breaking Down Barriers and Glass Ceilings
Margaret Atwood, the renowned Canadian author, poet, and activist, was among the many leading ladies celebrated at Gamestanza’s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala. The event, held at the Ritz Carlton in Toronto, brought together top Canadian producers, actors, musicians, and executives to recognize the achievements of a diverse group of powerhouse women.
Atwood, who received the ICON Award, reflected on the success of her dystopian novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, which was adapted into a Hulu series in 2016. She noted that the gamble paid off, and the show’s success has led to a small screen treatment for her 2019 follow-up novel, The Testaments, which is currently shooting in Toronto.
Emotional Highpoints from the Event
One of the emotional highpoints from the event was Amrit Kaur’s Breakthrough Award acceptance speech. The Sex Lives of College Girls star called on her fellow Canadian women in the room, especially decision-makers, to be more feisty as they create and tell stories. “Women have intuition. We’re not scared of the truth the way men are. We understand the human condition. We’ve dealt with oppression. We don’t take no for an answer. I want you guys to fund art that fuels our fire as women, as humanitarians, and as artists,” Kaur declared.
Another highlight was Christina Jennings’ Glass Ceiling Award acceptance speech. The founder and president of Shaftesbury reflected on the progress made in women’s rights, noting that as a child of the 1960s and 1970s, she saw herself as no less capable than a man. However, she expressed concern about the backlash against women’s rights in the US, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Tantoo Cardinal, who received the Equity in Entertainment Award, spoke about her experiences as an indigenous woman in the entertainment industry. The actress, who is of Cree and Métis heritage, discussed the importance of representation and diversity in the industry.
Performances and Appearances
The event also featured a performance of “I’m Done” by singer-songwriter Rachelle Show. Additionally, the first cohort of the WIE Canada Mentorship Program took to the stage alongside their instructors, marking the beginning of their personalized mentorship, workshops, and networking journey.
The event was attended by a host of notable women in the Canadian entertainment industry, including Orphan Black breakout Humberly González, Toronto Film Fest chief programmer Anita Lee, AEG Presents exec Debra Rathwell, and Cinespace Studios exec Magali Simard.
Conclusion
A Celebration of Female Empowerment: Margaret Atwood Praises THR’s Women in Entertainment Canada Honorees
In a heartwarming tribute, renowned author Margaret Atwood has lavished praise on the honorees of The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Canada awards. The article highlights the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry in Canada, from film and television to music and beyond. Key takeaways from the article include the inspiring stories of resilience and determination that have defined these women’s journeys, as well as their commitment to using their platforms to amplify marginalized voices and promote social change.
The significance of this topic cannot be overstated, as it underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements in a male-dominated industry. The honorees’ dedication to empowering others and pushing boundaries has far-reaching implications, inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in entertainment and beyond. Moreover, Atwood’s praise serves as a testament to the power of female solidarity and the impact that women can have when they come together to support one another.
As we look to the future, it is clear that the momentum generated by the Women in Entertainment Canada awards will continue to propel women forward in the industry. With the honorees serving as role models and catalysts for change, we can expect to see even more women taking on leadership roles, creating innovative content, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible. As Margaret Atwood so aptly put it, “The most exciting and important of all, I think, are the women who are just beginning to make their mark.” Indeed, the future of entertainment has never looked brighter, and we can only imagine the incredible stories that these women will continue to tell.
