Kate Hudson & Hollywood Celebrate Women at Oscar Nominees Event | Vogue

The energy in Los Angeles was palpably pre-Oscar this weekend, but Friday night’s celebration hosted by Women in Film offered a particularly focused spotlight on the female nominees and creatives driving the industry forward. The 19th annual Women In Film Oscar Nominees celebration, presented by Max Mara, drew a constellation of talent to Wheelhouse, the former West Hollywood villa of the legendary Bette Davis, for an evening dedicated to recognizing achievement and reinforcing the ongoing fight for gender equity in Hollywood.

The event, which began around 6:30 p.m., wasn’t just a glamorous gathering; it was a deliberate space for connection, and acknowledgement. Attendees included actors, producers, songwriters, and even costume designers, creating a cross-section of the filmmaking process. The atmosphere was relaxed yet purposeful, with guests mingling over charcuterie and signature cocktails – “The Leading Lady” and “Best Picture Spritz” – before the formal program began.

WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer set the tone for the evening with a powerful address, acknowledging the historical barriers women have faced in the industry. “So many of us have spent a career—or a lifetime—fighting for a seat at a table that was never built with us in mind,” she stated, framing the celebration not as a culmination, but as a continuation of that fight. “Tonight, we celebrate. Not since the work is done, but because we refuse to stop.”

That sentiment was echoed by WIF board president Syrinthia Studer, who dedicated the evening to “the women who showed up, who told stories that needed to be told, who stood in front of the camera and commanded it, and those who stood behind it and shaped entire worlds.” The program then transitioned into a series of brief remarks from the nominees themselves, each taking a moment to acknowledge their nomination and the significance of the occasion.

Among those recognized was Kate Hudson, nominated for Best Actress for her performance in Song Sung Blue. Hudson, who arrived at the celebration after appearing at the ICG Publicists Awards luncheon earlier in the day, made a striking impression in a floor-length, espresso-toned silk gown from Max Mara’s Fall 2026 collection. The dress, a variation on a gunmetal-hued design from the runway, featured a high neckline and long sleeves, offering a sleek and sophisticated silhouette. She playfully acknowledged her nomination, stating, “Hi, I’m Kate Hudson, and I’m nominated for Best Actress for a movie I did called Song Sung Blue,” drawing cheers from the crowd.

The choice of Max Mara as presenting sponsor felt particularly fitting, given the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting women in the arts and its history of elegant, empowering designs. Hudson’s gown wasn’t the only example of the brand’s influence; Max Mara also supported the event itself, underscoring a broader industry trend of brands aligning themselves with initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion.

The evening also saw recognition for Diane Warren, nominated for Best Original Song for “Dear Me.” Warren’s brief but enthusiastic comment – “Did you guys witness Song Sung Blue?! It’s f***ing great” – injected a dose of playful energy into the proceedings, highlighting the genuine camaraderie among the nominees. Other attendees included Renate Reinsve, nominated for her role in Sentimental Value, and Alicia Silverstone, demonstrating the breadth of talent celebrated by Women in Film.

Beyond the red carpet glamour and celebratory atmosphere, the Women in Film Oscar Nominees celebration served as a potent reminder of the progress made – and the work that remains – in achieving gender equality in Hollywood. Schaffer’s closing remarks underscored this point, emphasizing that the celebration wasn’t simply about acknowledging past achievements, but about fueling the ongoing commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry for future generations. The event, held at a location steeped in Hollywood history, felt like a symbolic passing of the torch, a moment to honor the legacy of those who came before while looking forward to a future where women have a truly equal seat at the table.

As the nominees prepare for the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, the spirit of solidarity and determination fostered at the Women in Film celebration will undoubtedly resonate, serving as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to build a more representative and just entertainment landscape.