Darlings, the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation just dropped their lineup for the 50th Annual Gracie Awards, and it’s giving us everything we didn’t know we needed in 2025. The Beverly Wilshire is about to transform into a glittering celebration of female excellence that would make the original girl bosses weak at the knees.
Let’s spill the champagne on this one — the golden anniversary bash (happening May 20, mark those calendars) reads like the guest list of heaven’s most exclusive soirée. Think Cristin Milioti serving indie-darling realness, while Megan Thee Stallion continues her reign as hip-hop’s most refreshingly authentic voice. Not too shabby for a Tuesday in Beverly Hills, hmm?
AWMF President Becky Brooks (who, honestly, deserves her own award for keeping this ship sailing through Hollywood’s choppiest waters) puts it perfectly: “For 50 years, the Gracie Awards have honored the storytellers who push boundaries.” And push they have — though perhaps “shattered” would be more accurate.
The evening’s master of ceremonies? None other than Fortune Feimster, whose particular brand of charm promises to keep the room in stitches while navigating the delicate balance of celebration and substance. After last year’s somewhat tepid hosting situation (we won’t name names), this feels like a return to form.
Speaking of substance — this year’s winners are serving career-defining excellence across the board. “The Voice” snagged the Non-Fiction Entertainment Competition trophy (though between us, was there ever any doubt?), while “The Daily Show” continues proving that women can deliver both headlines and punchlines without missing a beat.
Here’s a delicious little industry tidbit that perfectly encapsulates the Gracies’ ethos: the entire production is being handled by female-owned companies — Do Great Projects and Mythical Creators. With Kristin Whalley at the helm as executive producer, it’s giving us exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes girl power that makes these awards so vital.
But perhaps what’s most remarkable about this year’s celebration isn’t just who’s walking the red carpet — it’s the recognition of those brilliant minds working magic behind the scenes. Take Molly Solomon’s groundbreaking coverage plans for the upcoming Paris Olympics, or Sara Sidner’s raw, powerful documentation of her breast cancer journey for CNN. These aren’t just stories; they’re masterclasses in how to move the media needle forward.
As the industry grapples with post-strike adjustments and the ever-looming AI takeover (darling, don’t get me started), the Gracies stand as a testament to the irreplaceable power of authentic female voices. Previous honorees like Nicole Kidman, Oprah, and yes, even the Duchess of Sussex herself, have paved the way for this new generation of storytellers.
The complete winners’ list reads like a who’s who of entertainment’s brightest stars — and trust me, some of these names might surprise you. But that’s rather the point, isn’t it? The Gracies have always been about spotlighting not just the obvious choices, but the game-changers working just beneath the surface.
As we prepare for what promises to be the most talked-about industry event this side of the Oscars, one thing becomes crystal clear: The next 50 years of female achievement in media? Honey, we’re just getting started.
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