Woven with emotion, strength, and generational legacy, The Beverly Hilton hosted a celebration that transcends glamour, transforming cinema into a radiant anthem of hope and equality.
An enchanting corner of Hollywood lit up on November 5, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton, where the spotlights of the WIF Honors 2026 transformed one of the film season's most celebrated evenings into a vibrant anthem to grace, elegance, and human depth. All too often reduced to a mere factory of dreams, business, and surface appearances, the mecca of cinema rediscovered its most authentic soul thanks to Women in Film. The tireless work of this organization deserves to resonate deeply across the globe, as captured through the passion of Milan Weekly bringing you into the heart of this night.
Here are the five defining moments of the evening, told through the voices and faces of the extraordinary women who stepped up to receive their honors.
1. The Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award to Salma Hayek Pinault
The legendary Jane Fonda took the stage to present the prestigious Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award to Salma Hayek Pinault. Introducing her longtime friend, Fonda highlighted Salma's extraordinary, hands-on passion: Salma isn't someone who simply signs a check or speaks from a distance—she shows up in person, puts her heart on the line, and lives the causes she fights for.
In a deeply moving acceptance speech, Salma shared how her unyielding commitment once led her to contract tuberculosis while working directly in the field. She reminded everyone that for her, life only makes sense when lived with purpose, action, and undeniable passion. Reflecting on meeting her husband—whom she described as the true "infrastructure" that empowered her to accomplish even more—she delivered a beautiful, universal message on the profound power of motherhood. According to Salma, mothers don't need to assert a sense of masculinity or fight arbitrary battles for dominance: they are natural-born producers and directors, wired to manage every single day and project with calm intelligence and grace. If only mothers were far more present in world politics, the world would be an infinitely better place through that innate maternal strength.
2. The WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award to Adria Arjona
The award was presented by Maria Giulia Prezioso of Max Mara, who recounted meeting Adria Arjona at a dinner in Milan. She shared how she was instantly captivated by Adria’s vibrant zest for life, innate elegance, beautifully grounded nature, and deep, unwavering bond with her family and her true self.
When Adria stepped onto the stage, she spellbound the room with her sweetness, humility, breathtaking beauty, and profound inner maturity. She paid a radiant tribute to her roots, honoring her grandfather, grandmother, and uncle, explaining how she now feels a sacred duty to protect and cherish this precious family heritage. Her message served as a powerful reminder for us all: to draw strength from our ancestors, hold fast to the goodness passed down to us, and carry it forever in our hearts as an everlasting spark.
3. The Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film to Beth de Araújo (and Gemma Chan)
The Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film was bestowed upon Beth de Araújo and Gemma Chan (who was unable to attend) for their remarkable film Josephine. The introduction to the film recalled its devastating emotional power, leaving audiences breathless and moved to tears during its screening.
Taking the podium, Beth de Araújo warmly thanked those present and read a poignant message from Gemma Chan centered on resilience. Beth reflected on how film production remains overwhelmingly male-dominated and candidly confessed that she still feels scared at times and sheds tears, knowing that the journey toward true equality is a continuous, daily effort. Expressing her gratitude to the trailblazers who opened doors before her, she vowed to keep those doors wide open for every woman coming next. Looking toward recent elections and the rising tide of female voices stepping into power, Beth declared that WIF keeps going: there is still so much work to be done, and the community built by this organization is vital. No one must stop until equity is fully realized.
4. The Crystal Award for Advocacy in Television to Hannah Waddingham
Presenting the award to Hannah Waddingham (honored for her iconic work in Ted Lasso) was the extraordinary Sharon Stone, who praised how Hannah became a global sensation simply by remaining authentically herself and embodying everything WIF stands for.
Visibly moved, Hannah confessed that as a teenager, Sharon Stone was her ultimate guiding light and inspiration. With heartfelt humility, she admitted to feeling almost unworthy of such an honor—yet noted that this feeling of inadequacy is actually a precious reminder that there is still so much vital advocacy work ahead for women. Throughout her life and career, Waddingham has also stood as a fierce, unwavering champion for the LGBTQ+ community.
5. The Vanguard Award to Pamela Abdy
The evening culminated with the presentation of the inaugural Vanguard Award to renowned producer and executive Pamela Abdy. Introduced by Nancy, who walked the audience through Pamela's stellar career and remarkable body of work, the moment was heightened by a magnificent tribute video. The clip featured heartfelt congratulations from icons like Tom Cruise, top-tier directors, Nicole Kidman, and an array of Hollywood’s brightest stars.
Accepting the award, Pamela Abdy explored the profound essence of the word vanguard: daring new ideas, the courage to bring politically resonant cinema to life, creating safe harbors for emerging voices, and touching human minds and hearts. She closed her speech with a breathtaking tribute to the impressive lineage of extraordinary women she has collaborated with over the years—a living testament to the unstoppable force that unfolds when women unite and push forward together.
As the lights of The Beverly Hilton softly dim and the glamour of the night turns into unforgettable memories, what lingers in the air is the quiet certainty that events like the WIF Honors are far more than a celebration of talent and success—they are a warm, collective embrace for the very soul of Hollywood. Beneath the glittering surface of the spotlights lies an invisible, unbreakable thread linking generations of women: those who fought yesterday, those who are carving paths today, and those who will carry this magnificent legacy of love, courage, and hope tomorrow. It is the soft whisper promising that no woman walks alone, and that every tear shed for a closed door will one day turn into the key that unlocks the future.
For other inspiring articles visit our section Art.