women in motion
At an inspiring luncheon presented by Swarovski, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) brought together influential industry members to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Women in Film. While honoring the organization’s many triumphs, the event served to promote gender equality, underscoring the importance of women’s roles within the film industry.
The intimate affair, held at Claridges in London, welcomed exclusive guests like Salma Hayek alongside prestigious off-screen stars, director Gurinder Chadha and Dee Rees, screenwriter Abi Morgan and Star Wars producer Kathy Kennedy, amongst many others. AMPAS CEO Dawn Hudson, Women in Film CEO Kate Kinninmont and Member of the Swarovski Executive Board Nadja Swarovski gave key note speeches, raising awareness of gender inequality in the industry as well as highlighting achievements of females in film. Kate Kinninmont spoke on BFI’s recent data, revealing that the percentage of women cast in UK films has remained almost unchanged since 1913, however the representation of women behind the camera has improved significantly, from 3% in 1913 to 34% in 2017.
The Women in Film CEO shared, “It's great that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has been instrumental in bringing us all together today. To see the BFI, BAFTA, AMPAS and Women in Film all combining, fills me with hope for the future. Women have been marginalized for years in the film industry, but fantastic research has really shone a light on the extent of the imbalance. Transparency is a great driver of change and everyone here today is helping make that change happen.
“The more we know about the problems – the lack of women directors and composers, gender disproportion even in crowd scenes, pay inequality even in areas like wardrobe and makeup where women have traditionally dominated – the more we know about all this, the better able we are to change things. We are not a minority. We're more than half the world. Let's take our rightful place in that world.”
Dawn Hudson, AMPAS CEO, commented: “During the last several years the Academy has led the industry’s efforts in identifying, developing, and nurturing diverse talent – women representation on our Board is up threefold since 2011. We’re proud to join with Women in Film to connect female artists so they may benefit from one another’s experience, and, ultimately, strengthen the position of women in our film community.”
Swarovski has a long history of partnership with AMPAS, having illuminated the Academy Awards stage with more than 1.2 million crystals over the past ten years. Keeping in line with the brand’s initiative to promote women’s empowerment, Swarovski is proud to support AMPAS in celebrating women in film and encouraging gender equality across the industry.
