Entertainment

Cate Blanchett and Kerry Washington To Be Honored

by Rachel Simon

It's nearly impossible to find an awards show that we can get behind one hundred percent, but Women in Film's Crystal + Lucy Awards might just be the exception. Year after year, the show honors some of Hollywood's most impressive women for their contributions to film and television. Past honorees have included Jennifer Aniston, Annette Bening, Sofia Coppola and Viola Davis, representing those who have "helped to expand the role of women within the entertainment industry." On Monday, the 2014 recipients were announced, and they couldn't fit the description more perfectly. Cate Blanchett, Kerry Washington, Rose Byrne, Jennifer Lee and Eva Longoria will all be honored, due to their contributions to women in Hollywood over the course of the past year.

Of all the women who've done inspiring things for women over the last twelve months, it's clear why these five stand out from the pack. Blanchett, who stunned in a decidedly un-cliched role in Blue Jasmine, won every award possible for her performance, standing up for feminism while doing so. That amazing Oscars speech was just the culmination of a season's worth of smart, feminist, and generally badass support by the actress, and the Crystal Award, which honors excellence in film, will likely give Blanchett another platform to speak out.

As for Washington, her role on the barrier-breaking Scandal earned her an Emmy nomination, making her the first black Best Drama Actress nominee since 1995. The show itself is the first network drama to star a black female lead in nearly 40 years. Off-screen, Washington has spoken out about her feminism and is a member of V-Day, an organization bringing awareness to violence against women and girls. Women and Film will honor her with the Lucy Award, given to a women who exemplifies the "extraordinary accomplishments embodied in the life and work of Lucille Ball."

The other ladies being honored by Women in Film are just as impressive. Rose Byrne, up next in This is Where I Leave You, will receive the Max Mara Face of the Future Award. Previously, the honor has gone to Hailee Steinfeld, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Elizabeth Banks, among others. Jennifer Lee, the Oscar-winning director of Frozen, will take home the Dorothy Arzner Directors Award. Eva Longoria, whose work in politics and philanthropy has deservedly overshadowed her acting during the past few years, will receive the Norma Zarka Humanitarian Award.

"The women we are honoring this year represent the best, the brightest and the bravest among us,” said Women in Film, Los Angeles president Cathy Schulman in a statement. “We are proud to celebrate their achievements and their contributions."

Added Iris Grossman, president emeritus: “these five women have distinguished themselves both as artists and as responsible citizens of the world. They inspire us and we in turn are honored to recognize them for all they have given.”

The awards gala will take place in June 11, with proceeds from the fundraising dinner going to Women in Film's educational and philanthropic programs. Congrats to all the deserving women honored, and here's hoping the Crystal + Lucy Awards continue celebrating feminism for years to come.