Universal CEO Donna Langley will receive the Women In Motion Award at the Cannes Film Festival

At the Cannes Film Festival, in addition to climbing the stairs, some events became invisible. This is the case with the Kering Dinner and its Women In Motion Awards. Created in 2015 by the luxury group to honor and highlight the creativity and contributions of women in culture and the arts, this year it honors Donna Langley, president of NBCUniversal Studio Group. Originally from the UK, Donna Langley built her career in the US and was the first British woman to head a major Hollywood studio. A woman of commitment, she has worked to move the line in Hollywood, particularly through casting, recruiting and inclusion in storytelling. It was he who recruited Charlize Theron for the very masculine Fast & Furious 8: and film producer Downton Abbey And 1917 By Sam Mendes. In recognition of her efforts to advance opportunities for women and people of color in the entertainment industry, she was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s 2020 New Year’s Honors List.

Committed ambassador

Meanwhile, Donna Langley is also one of the founders of the Women in Film mentoring program The Hollywood Reporter, her commitment goes beyond her duties as she is also an ambassador for Vital Voices. This American organization works with women leaders in the areas of economic empowerment, women’s political participation and human rights. “It’s an honor to present the 2024 Women In Motion Award to Donna Langley, recognizing her as both one of Hollywood’s most influential executives and as someone who has dedicated herself to the importance of gender equality and diversity on and off screen. This award highlights the collective efforts of those who work behind the scenes, tirelessly challenging and breaking down gender barriers and racial prejudices,” said François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and CEO of Kering.

From Jane Fonda to Michelle Yeoh

In receiving the Women In Motion Award, Donna Langley follows Jane Fonda, the first recipient in 2015, followed by Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon in 2016, Isabelle Huppert in 2017, Patty Jenkins in 2018, Gong Li in 2019, Salma Hayek in 2021 . Davis in 2022 and Michelle Yeo last year. Founded seven years ago, Women on the Move has since expanded into photography, art, design, choreography and music. Through its awards, the program recognizes inspirational figures and emerging female talent who lend their voices throughout the year through conferences and podcasts focused on the representation of women in various professions. The appointment will take place on May 19 at the Cannes Film Festival, where Donna Langley, flanked by Thierry Fremaux and Iris Knobloch, Chief Delegate and President of the Cannes Festival, will enter a much-loved circle of industry bigwigs.