Gina Prince-Bythewood, the director of “The Woman King,” was honored at the eighth annual Icon Mann Honors on March 8 for her groundbreaking work in cinema and inspiring culture. The event, held at the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, was attended by a range of industry figures, including Disney General Entertainment chairman Dana Walden and Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences executive VP of member relations and awards, Shawn Finnie.
During her acceptance speech, Prince-Bythewood emphasized her belief in the power of storytelling to change narratives and inspire others. She spoke specifically about her commitment to centering Black women and girls in her work and reframing the way their stories are told. She also acknowledged the Black men she has featured in her films, expressing pride in their contributions.
Icon Mann founder and CEO, Tamara Houston, spoke about the importance of the event and the progress that has been made in promoting positive imaging of the African diaspora in the entertainment industry. She noted the need for continued inclusivity and allyship across all sectors.
Other honorees at the event included director and producer Reginald Hudlin and Uzodinma Iweala, CEO of the Africa Center NYC and author of “Beasts of No Nation.” Vice President Kamala Harris surprised attendees with a video message in which she praised Hudlin’s work and celebrated his unique ability to connect people with the past and inspire them to dream bigger.
The Icon Mann Honors event was a vibrant celebration of the contributions of Black creators and filmmakers to the industry, highlighting the ongoing need for inclusivity and representation in all areas of entertainment.
Source: www.yahoo.com