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The New York Women in Film and Television (NYWIFT) had it’s 39th annual Muse Awards gala luncheon on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Hilton hotel in New York City, to recognize and celebrate extraordinary women for their achievements, talent and vision in the entertainment industry.

Terry Lawler, Ellen Burstyn, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Nishimura, Tricia Brock, Julie Menin, Simone Pero

NYWIFT has supported and empowered women working in the show business for 40 years and this annual award ceremony was hosted once more by actor and CBS commentator Nancy Giles.

Nancy Giles

Exceptional women honored were Sarah Jessica Parker (New York City Icon and well-known actor); Lisa Nishimura (Academy and Emmy Award winner/Vice President of Original Documentary and Comedy Programming at Netflix); and  Ellen Burstyn (one of the few actresses to hold the “triple crown” of acting with multiple Academy Awards, two Emmys, and a Tony).

                                         Sarah Jessica Parker                                                                                         Lisa Nishimura

The 13th annual Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award went to comedian, writer, producer and fierce disability advocate Maysoon Zayid received the 13th annual Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award. The Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award was created with the generous support of New York Women in Film & Television member Loreen Arbus. Each year, it is given to an individual, organization or corporation in the entertainment industry that has helped to create and bring about significant change to benefit and aid women.

Maysoon Zayid

Film and Television director Tricia Brock (The Walking Dead, 30 Rock, Younger, Mr. Robot) received the 2nd Annual Nancy Malone Directing Award.

Terry Lawler, who served more than 20 years as NYWIFT’s executive director, received the Made in NY Award, presented by the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

Lawler stated “I’m truly honored to be receiving the Made in NY Award at the Muse Awards this year. I couldn’t imagine a better way to complete my hugely satisfying tenure as Executive Director. The progress we have made in helping to move women to the forefront of many entertainment mediums is something I am not only genuinely proud of, but so truly thankful for.”

“Now in its 39th year, the Muse Awards continues NYWIFT’s long tradition and dedication to applauding the work and achievements of women in our industry, said New York Women in Film & Television Board President Simone Pero. "We are thrilled to honor this year’s incredible roster of accomplished women, and also look forward to toasting our beloved Terry Lawler in gratitude for all she has done not only for individual members and for the organization as a whole but also for NYWIFT’s mission of equality in our industry.”

Emmy Award winner and former commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment successor in the role of executive director will be Cynthia Lopez this year.

The annual Muse Awards is attended by an exhilarating group of leading executives from every major studio, broadcast and cable networks, film, television and digital media production facilities.

We at film festivals congratulate these extraordinary women!

To find out more about NYWIFT and the Muse Awards click here nywift.org/MUSE