During the Academy Women’s Luncheon, a keynote speaker urged women in film to resist tokenism and “print our own currency” by building solidarity and speaking truth about gender inequality.

She reflected on women’s filmmaking in the post-MeToo era, warning that progress is fragile and that the industry remains in a state of emergency for female voices behind the camera.

The speaker acknowledged the anger and silencing faced by women in Hollywood, contrasting it with calls for practical action on wage gaps and other inequities, and emphasized unflinching truth-telling as a path to freedom.

Coverage notes a broader arts scene around the luncheon, including prize wins, film and music reviews, and notable awards activity that frame ongoing conversations in film, music, and literature.

Chloé Zhao and Kathryn Bigelow were highlighted as frontrunners for future directing honors, reflecting ongoing interest in women directors for major awards.

The speaker cited a 2025 industry stat showing only three studio productions directed by women, underscoring the ongoing disparity in top-tier directing roles.

She referenced the industry's few 2024–25 films directed by women and quoted industry sources to illustrate how limited opportunities remain.

Lidia Yuknavitch’s The Chronology of Water informed her perspective, and she spoke about the challenge of telling bold, taboo stories in Hollywood.

Prominent attendees, including Sarah Paulson and Julia Louis‑Dreyfus, gave the speech applause, with the event described as well‑attended and influential.

The seven‑minute speech received strong reception among attendees and was noted for its message of unity and accountability in advancing women’s filmmaking.

She argued that progress since #MeToo is uneven, with a persistence of barriers to women’s storytelling and leadership, and a need to continue supporting women filmmakers.

The gathering at the Academy Museum featured mentors and sponsors who stressed mentorship, community, and opportunities for funding and distribution for women in cinema.