At the 44th annual Muse Awards hosted by New York Women in Film & Television in New York City, Hollywood’s strides toward inclusivity took center stage. Among the honorees were Fran Drescher, Alex Borstein, Kyra Sedgwick, Tantoo Cardinal, Latasha Gillespie, Millicent Simmonds, Michèle Stephenson, and Oscar-winner Raney Aronson-Rath, celebrated for their remarkable contributions to the industry.
SAG-AFTRA executive vice president Linda Powell accepted an award on behalf of Fran Drescher, acknowledging the challenges Drescher faced during the 2023 Hollywood strikes. In a statement read by Powell, Drescher highlighted the perseverance needed to combat misogyny and uphold values of inclusivity and equity in the industry.
Millicent Simmonds, renowned for her role in “A Quiet Place,” echoed sentiments of progress and inclusivity in Hollywood. As a deaf actor, Simmonds expressed gratitude for the industry’s shift towards accessibility and open-mindedness. She remarked, “I’ve already seen such a major shift in the industry. In the past few years, you see more things that are accessible. You see more captions. You see more inclusion in the industry. People seem to be more open-minded. I’m seeing that there is more compassion. I’m so grateful for that shift.”
The event, highlighting female luminaries, also featured insights from Alex Borstein, known for her Emmy-winning role in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” Borstein emphasized self-inspiration, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique creativity and aspirations.
The Muse Awards not only celebrated achievements but also underscored Hollywood’s evolving landscape, where inclusivity and accessibility for diverse communities, including the deaf community represented by Millicent Simmonds, are increasingly prioritized and recognized.
