Jully Black, Deborah Cox, Tantoo Cardinal, Nelly Furtado, Humberly González, Devery Jacobs, Stephan James, Amrit Kaur, Don McKellar, Jennifer Podemski and Tonya Williams are recognized for their outstanding achievements in and contribution to the performing arts.
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Jully Black: Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment
Jully Black was one of 45 Canadian trailblazers to be celebrated at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala event, which was held in Toronto on May 29, 2025.
Black’s first national headlining tour in 17 years helped dismantle the myth that age limits ambition: “I’m not ‘aged out’ — I’m just getting started.” Her mantra to her younger self? “Silence the inner negotiator … feelings aren’t facts.”
THR‘s Women in Entertainment Canada spotlights trailblazers who are fighting back, breaking through and building the future of film, TV and music north of the [U.S.] border.
Tantoo Cardinal: Equity in Entertainment Award
Tantoo Cardinal was honoured with the Equity in Entertainment Award at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala event in Toronto on May 29, 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada’s Equity in Entertainment Award was created to recognize those Canadians who exemplify success and work to promote the voices and stories of underrepresented communities in the entertainment industry.
Deborah Cox: Award of Excellence
Deborah Cox was the inaugural recipient of the Black Screen Office’s (BSO) Award of Excellence, which was presented at the BSO Symposium on April 1, 2025, at the Toronto Region Board of Trade.
Cox was the first Black woman to be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2022. “[Cox’s] remarkable talent and unwavering dedication have paved the way for countless Black artists in Canada and beyond,” said BSO CEO Joan Jenkinson.
The Award of Excellence was created by the BSO to acknowledge and celebrate Black trailblazers who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Nelly Furtado: Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment
Nelly Furtado was one of 45 Canadian trailblazers to be celebrated at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala event, which was held in Toronto on May 29, 2025.
Now 46, [Furtado is] touring again and defiantly embracing authenticity, telling fans, “We are all cute little humans just bouncing around the Earth looking for hugs.”
THR‘s Women in Entertainment Canada spotlights trailblazers who are fighting back, breaking through and building the future of film, TV and music north of the [U.S.] border.
Humberly González: Rising Star Award & Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment
Humberly González was honoured with the Rising Star Award at the Future of Film Showcase’s closing ceremony at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre on June 22, 2025. The Rising Star Award is presented to a rising star in the film industry who has made significant contributions and served as a mentor to emerging filmmakers.
González was also one of 45 Canadian trailblazers to be celebrated at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala event, which was held in Toronto on May 29, 2025.
Her suggestion to women: “Don’t shrink your voice. Back stories you believe in and create your own work.”
Devery Jacobs: Trailblazer Award & Most Powerful Women in Canadian Entertainment
Devery Jacobs was honoured with the Trailblazer Award at the Future of Film Showcase’s closing ceremony at Toronto’s Paradise Theatre on June 22, 2025. Recipients of the Trailblazer Award are chosen based on artistic impact, innovation and meaningful contributions to equity and representation.
Jacobs was also one of 45 Canadian trailblazers to be celebrated at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala event, which was held in Toronto on May 29, 2025.
Jacobs sees burnout — for creators and audiences alike — as the industry’s biggest threat: “We’ve got to lean on each other. A rising tide raises all boats.”
Stephan James: Canadian Award of Distinction
Stephan James received the Canadian Award of Distinction at the Rockies Gala on June 9, 2025, at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in recognition of his incredible impact as an actor and producer on the global stage.
The Canadian Award of Distinction is presented to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry.
Amrit Kaur: Breakthrough Award
Amrit Kaur was honoured with the Breakthrough Award at The Hollywood Reporter‘s second annual Women in Entertainment Canada gala event in Toronto on May 29, 2025.
The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada’s Breakthrough Award honours rising stars in entertainment who are making waves in a big way with bold, innovative storytelling and a distinct artistic vision.
Don McKellar: Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award
Don McKellar was one of three acclaimed Canadian film and television luminaries to be honoured with the inaugural Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award at the 2025 CFC Gala: Growing Futures, which took place on June 12, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
This marks the first year of the Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award, which will be presented annually at the Gala to up to three recipients whose work reflects the legacy of CFC founder Norman Jewison. Developed by CFC’s Founder’s Council, the award recognizes film and television visionaries whose work embodies Norman’s legacy, are committed to social justice in their storytelling, and/or have made a global impact in the industry.
Photo (left to right): Don McKellar, Cameron Bailey
Jennifer Podemski: Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award
Jennifer Podemski was one of three acclaimed Canadian film and television luminaries to be honoured with the inaugural Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award at the 2025 CFC Gala: Growing Futures, which took place on June 12, 2025, at the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto.
This marks the first year of the Norman Jewison Founder’s Council Award, which will be presented annually at the Gala to up to three recipients whose work reflects the legacy of CFC founder Norman Jewison. Developed by CFC’s Founder’s Council, the award recognizes film and television visionaries whose work embodies Norman’s legacy, are committed to social justice in their storytelling, and/or have made a global impact in the industry.
Photo (left to right): Sarah Podemski, Jennifer Podemski, Tamara Podemski
Tonya Williams, Canada’s Walk of Fame 2025 Inductee
Tonya Williams was inducted into the Canada Walk of Fame on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Said Canada’s Walk of Fame CEO Jeffrey Latimer: “Tonya Williams is a shining example of excellence, resilience, and dedication. Her extraordinary career as an actress and her pioneering work with Reelworld have broken barriers, created opportunities, and inspired so many in Canada and beyond. Tonya’s contributions to the screen industry and her unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion make her a truly deserving inductee into Canada’s Walk of Fame.”
Photo credit: George Pimentel Photography
