Calay News
In a lively opening to The Hollywood Reporter’s annual Women in Entertainment gala, Will Ferrell took center stage and humorously advocated for women to take charge on a global scale. The gala, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, celebrated and supported women across various spheres of the entertainment industry.
Ferrell kicked off his remarks by commending the event’s mission to honor and uplift women in entertainment. He then playfully suggested a broader paradigm shift, declaring, “Isn’t it just time for women to run the planet?” The statement resonated with the audience, generating applause and laughter. Ferrell, acknowledging the historical dominance of men, urged, “I don’t know what else to do because we—men—we’ve been running the show since, what, 10,000 B.C., and we’re not doing so well.” So, please, can you guys just take over?”
Adding a touch of humor, Ferrell identified Kerry Washington, honored with the Equity in Entertainment Award, as a fitting candidate for the highest political office in the United States. He jokingly implored Washington, “Can you just run for president? Please? We’ll pay you. We’ll do a GoFundMe right in this room, and we’ll launch you.”
The actor also acknowledged Adele, recipient of the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, while weaving humor into his comments. Ferrell highlighted the Hollywood Reporter Mentorship Program, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on young women from underserved communities.
As the gala continued, Ferrell recognized his longtime friend and producing partner, Jessica Elbaum, who co-founded Gloria Sanchez Productions. He lauded Elbaum’s dedication to promoting female storytelling and supporting women in the entertainment industry.
The Women in Entertainment Gala, sponsored by Cadillac, Google, SAG-AFTRA, Best Buy, Gersh, and Upneeq, showcased the achievements of women in the industry and underscored the importance of continued advocacy for gender equality. The event was held in conjunction with the release of THR’s annual Women in Entertainment issue and Power 100 list.
