By Maurice Dwayne Smith
Photos: John Salansgang/Shutterstock for WIF
West Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 3/2/25 – ShivHans Pictures, a powerhouse in production, distribution, and finance with clients including both Oscar and Tony Award nominees, teamed up with a dynamic lineup of partners including Upneeq, a non-surgical eye aid company; Dagne Dover, a maker of iconic bags; Peroni beer; and Wheelhouse for the 18th annual Women In Film (WIF) Oscars Nominees Celebration in West Hollywood on February 28, 2025. The event raised funds for the Entertainment Community Fund, helping entertainers impacted by the recent California wildfires.
Since its inception in 2007, the WIF Oscars Nominees Celebration has prided itself on being the only event that not only honors women nominees but also celebrates nominees of all genders. The event’s inclusive approach reflects a belief that the best way to create impactful films and foster greater opportunities is to recognize and elevate all groups in the industry.
WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer, along with Chair of the Board of Directors Syrinthia Studer, led the event which provided a platform for the 65 women nominated for the 97th Academy Awards to discuss their films and careers. The list of Oscar nominee attendees was a stunning showcase of talent, including:
- Cynthia Erivo (Actress in a Leading Role, Wicked)
- Monica Barbaro (Actress in a Supporting Role, A Complete Unknown)
- Aniela Sidorska (Documentary Feature Film, Porcelain War)
- Arianne Phillips (Costume Design, A Complete Unknown)
- Beatrice Brentnerová (Production Design, Nosferatu)
- Cindy Lee (Live Action Short Film, The Last Ranger)
- Coralie Fargeat (Best Director, Best Writing – Original Screenplay, The Substance)
- Diane Warren (Music – Original Song, “The Journey” The Six Triple Eight)
- Ema Ryan Yamazaki (Documentary Short Film, Instruments of a Beating Heart)
- Emily Kassie (Documentary Feature Film, Sugarcane)
- Frances Hannon (Makeup and Hairstyling, Wicked)
- …and many more
In addition to these nominees, luminaries from across the industry gathered, including:
- Ariana Madix (Host + Actress)
- Dove Cameron (Actress + Singer)
- Jane Seymour (Actress)
- Jay Shetty (Podcaster)
- Jurnee Smollet (WIF Board Member, Actress, Producer)
- Karen Pittman (Actress)
- Lilly Singh (Comedian + Producer)
- Sharon Lawrence (Actress)
- Stephanie Hsu (Actress)
- Storm Reid (Actress, Euphoria)
- Victoria Justice (Actress, Suits LA)
Kirsten Schaffer emphasized WIF’s commitment to advancing gender equity in the entertainment industry. During her speech, she shared, “For more than 50 years, WIF has been working to advance gender equity in the entertainment industry. Tonight, we gather to applaud the trailblazers, the visionaries, and the incredible artists that have graced the silver screen. And to commend the remarkable achievements of the 65 women nominated for the 97th Academy Awards. Our industry has taken a beating in the past 4 years, and that combined with what is happening to women, transgender people, immigrants, queer people, and people of color across the country, it means we need to double down on efforts for inclusion – as a community – and NOT let up.”
Proceeds from the evening’s celebration will continue to support the Entertainment Community Fund, offering relief to those impacted by the devastating California wildfires.