NYWIFT Muse Awards
2018 Muse Honorees: Ellen Burstyn, Tricia Brock, Maysoon Zayid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Nishimura. Photo by Flor Blake Photography
For 38 years, New York Women in Film and Television has organized the Muse Awards annual gala holiday luncheon to celebrate women of vision and achievement. And each year, remarkable and accomplished women are honored with this prestigious award.
Backstage lineup: NYWIFT Board Members Margarita Sophia Cortes, Rachel Watanabe-Batton, and KOK with honoree Lisa Nishimura of Netflix. Photo by Rowena Husbands
It was my great pleasure to accompany one of the honorees, Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy. With the success of “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat” on Netflix, this was a full circle moment for me. We hadn’t yet met when I greeted Lisa at the entrance, and her first words to me were “Congratulations on the show!” What a classy lady. Also attending on behalf of Netflix was Zana Lawrence, who played a big role in our series as an EP.
Thank you NYWIFT for another great year and for an inspiring Muse Awards honoring:
Terry Lawler, NYWIFT executive director. Photo by Will Ringwood
Terry Lawler, NYWIFT Executive Director
After 21 years of service as executive director, Terry Lawler pays tribute to the board, staff, corporate partners and most importantly the incredible membership as she accepts her Made in NY award.
Maysoon Zayid, actor, comedian, activist. Photo by Avis Boone
Maysoon Zayid, actor, comedian, activist
Urging the hiring of more people with disabilities: “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it. Make a pledge today to make your lives inclusive.”
Tricia Brock, director. Photo by John Dallas Phelps
Tricia Brock, director
On moving to NYC: “They said that the men are really interesting. But no. It’s the women who are.”
Ellen Burstyn, actor. Photo by John Dallas Phelps
Ellen Burstyn, actor
“It used to be the man always had the last word. That’s changing. It ain’t fair the way it was and we will only benefit from equality.”
Lisa Nishimura, Netflix, VP of documentary and comedy. Photo by John Dallas Phelps
Lisa Nishimura, @Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy
“I think this is the very reason why I absolutely love and feel so privileged to do the work I do. I get to support incredible storytellers — documentarians, comics – true creators who are the brilliant social commentators of our day.”
Sarah Jessica Parker, actor, producer. Photo by Flor Blake Photography
Sarah Jessica Parker, actor, producer
“Equally important are the accountants, sound mixers, teamsters and publicists… I have watched young women start as interns and become producers.”
The women who make it all possible: the incredible staff of NYWIFT. Photo by Avis Boone
The inimitable Nancy Giles, host of the event. Photo by John Dallas Phelps.
Over 1100 people attended to support NYWIFT. Photo by John Dallas Phelps
Another Muse Awards in the books! Nancy Giles, Terry Lawler, Tricia Brock. Photo by Flor Blake Photography
Busy K Blog 
Congrats.