POWER UP names 10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz.
The girls were dressed up and out in force for POWER UP’s 8th Annual Power Premier Celebrity Gala at Social Hollywood in Los Angeles. A vital part of the POWER UP mission is to recognize trailblazing women working in the entertainment industry today and, their annual event does just that by bringing together celebrities, industry professionals and supporters to celebrate 10 Amazing Gay Women in Showbiz.
“It’s an honor to be included on POWER UP’s growing list of such incredible women,” said honoree Jenny Fulle, executive vice president, Sony Pictures Imageworks (Spider-Man 3, Ghost Rider). “If by being out and visible as a successful professional in the visual effects and animation industry, one more woman can be inspired to stand among us, I feel an immense sense of pride.”
The event was hosted by comic Bridget McManus, who also performed a comedic song she wrote ("Yes We Can") in tribute to POWER UP and women in film. Cocktails, a raffle and happy acceptance speeches kept the crowd of 500 women entertained. Most winners were on hand to receive their awards and enjoy the adoration of the enthusiastic crowd.
“These women are role models or guides for other women. This is their night to shine in front of their colleagues and peers,” said Founder and Executive Director Stacy Codikow.
POWER UP is the only nonprofit, volunteer-run, gay studio in Hollywood. Through workshops, events, grants and networking they seek to promote the visibility and success of gay women in entertainment. POWER UP produced the multi-award winning, all-female production Itty Bitty Titty Committee.
“We go through our lives working and not necessarily getting praise for what we do. We like to celebrate and recognize women for the achievements they have made in a male dominated industry,” said Codikow.
Awardees included:
- Suzanne Westenhoefer, comedian (A Bottom on Top)
- Lisa Sherman, executive vice president, general manager, Logo Cheryl Dunye, writer/director (My Baby’s Daddy, Stranger Inside, Watermelon Woman)
- Barbara Gaines, executive producer (Late Show with David Letterman)
- Nancylee Myatt, writer/producer/director (Night Court, Living Single, South of Nowhere)
- Michaline Babich, writer/director/producer (Logo’s lesbian series Gimme Sugar)
For a complete list of awardees visit power-up.net.