From career reflections to exclusive teases about what’s next, the evening brought together some of the most influential women across entertainment, media, and storytelling.
The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada returned to Toronto on Thursday May 28th, bringing together actors, creators, producers, executives, authors, and industry leaders for a day of conversations, networking, and recognition.
Photography Credit: George Pimentel for The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada
This year’s honourees included Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress Andrea Martin (ICON Award), entertainer, producer, and bestselling author Lilly Singh (Equity in Entertainment Award), actress and producer Malin Akerman (IMPACT Award), bestselling author Rachel Reid (Changemaker Award), and North of North creators Stacey Aglok MacDonald and Alethea Arnaquq-Baril (Breakthrough Award).
Among the night’s most celebrated figures was Andrea Martin, whose ICON Award recognized a career spanning decades across stage and screen. From her groundbreaking work on SCTV to beloved roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Only Murders in the Building, and Broadway productions that earned her Tony Awards, Martin’s influence on comedy and entertainment remains undeniable.
For Lilly Singh, the evening felt like something of a homecoming.
“I’ve had the privilege to go to a lot of different places and a lot of different events, but when you’re home, it hits different,” Singh told SWAGGER on the gold carpet. “This is where I started it all.”
Receiving the Equity in Entertainment Award in Toronto carried special significance for the Scarborough-raised creator, who reflected on the journey from filming YouTube videos in her parents’ basement to becoming one of Canada’s most recognizable entertainment figures.
Meanwhile, Malin Akerman accepted the IMPACT Award, presented by actress and longtime friend Brittany Snow. Speaking with SWAGGER on the gold carpet, Akerman revealed Snow had travelled to Canada specifically to present her with the honour.
“For her to come all the way here to Canada to present the award, I feel very blessed and really lucky,” Akerman said.
Akerman also offered a teaser about Season 2 of The Hunting Wives.
“They went above and beyond,” she said with a smile. “It will not disappoint. The ending will leave you wanting more.”
Changemaker Award recipient Rachel Reid was also among the evening’s honourees, arriving alongside Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, who portrays Svetlana in Crave’s Heated Rivalry. The appearance served as a reminder of just how far Reid’s bestselling hockey romance has come, evolving from a beloved novel into one of the most anticipated Canadian television adaptations in recent memory.
SWAGGER also caught up with Sullivan’s Crossing star Morgan Kohan on the gold carpet, where she teased what’s ahead in Season 4, including what she described as “a little spicy love triangle.”
When the conversation turned to her co-star Chad Michael Murray, Kohan was quick with her answer. “He’s an angel,” she said with a laugh. “Meeting him will not disappoint.”
While each honouree arrived with a different story, the evening was ultimately a celebration of the women shaping entertainment today — on screen, behind the scenes, and everywhere in between.
