Alliance for Women in Media Honors Marlo Thomas and Celebrates Women in Media during Gracie Awards

The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF) recently held the 48th Annual Gracie Awards, a prestigious event honoring remarkable achievements and inspiring storytelling by women in the media industry. The gala, held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, provided a platform to recognize influential voices and narratives that have left a lasting impact. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award to Marlo Thomas, celebrated for her groundbreaking role as television's first independent single woman in "That Girl" and her contributions as a Founding Mother of the Ms. Foundation for Women. The award was presented by Tony Thomas, Marlo's brother, who himself is an acclaimed television and film producer. The glamorous gala included notable attendees such as Diane Warren, Shayna Zaid, Atsuko Okatsuka, Jodi Balfour, Bishop Briggs, Rachel Lindsay, Keltie Knight, Rose McIver, Kerri Kasem, Ellen K, and Harriet Dyer. The audience was captivated by a breathtaking performance by 14-time Oscar nominee Diane Warren and Shayna Zaid, reminding everyone of the profound impact of music in storytelling. The Gracie Awards also recognized the significant contributions of women directors and writers, calling attention to their invaluable roles in shaping on-screen narratives. The event emphasized the dedication and talent of these individuals, who are instrumental in driving positive change through their work. Marlo Thomas expressed her gratitude during her acceptance speech, acknowledging the importance of events like the Gracie Awards in recognizing and uplifting women. She described the event as nourishment for the soul, providing inspiration and motivation to continue dreaming, stating, “they give us life. They give us enthusiasm that we can continue to make new dreams." Miranda Kwok, winner of the Writer Scripted Drama category for "The Cleaning Lady," used her platform to advocate for fair treatment, recognition, and the preservation of human creativity in storytelling, in the face of advancements in “artificial intelligence.” In addition to celebrating achievements, the Gracie Awards Gala served as a charitable endeavor, supporting AWMF's mission, charitable activities, and scholarship initiatives for women in the media. The foundation's efforts aim to foster growth, empowerment, and leadership opportunities for women across the industry. The event celebrates The complete list of award recipients and honorable mentions can be accessed on the AWMF website. Local and student award-winners will be recognized separately at the Gracie Awards Luncheon on June 20 at Cipriani in New York City.