Jennifer Lopez Honored with Equity in Entertainment Award at THR Women in Entertainment Gala

Lopez, star of Kiss of the Spider Woman and Selena, choked up while taking the stage, expressing that she was “so humbled” and unsure how she could follow Kerry Washington’s introduction. Washington, who received the award herself in 2023, presented Lopez with the honor, noting her long-standing influence and dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices in entertainment.

“Thank you to The Hollywood Reporter for this Equity in Entertainment Award. I really am honored,” Lopez began. “When we talk about equity in entertainment, I, like so many others in this room, speak from experience.”

The singer and actress recounted the early days of her career, describing herself as an underdog. “I was that Puerto Rican girl from the Bronx who wasn’t supposed to be in the room, let alone at the center of it,” Lopez said. She reflected on the obstacles she faced due to stereotyping, explaining how roles offered to her often tried to confine her before she could demonstrate her full range. She credited the role of Selena as transformative, and thanked the trailblazers like Chita Rivera, Rita Moreno, Dolores Del Rio, and Katie Huvado for opening doors for Latina women in Hollywood.

Lopez also highlighted the ongoing challenges for Latinas in the industry, noting that decades later, resistance still exists to leading studio films. “Hoping that with each role, the myth of it can’t be done evaporates just a little more,” she said, emphasizing the importance of representation and expanding opportunities for future generations.

The Equity in Entertainment Award recognizes individuals who elevate underrepresented communities and stories in entertainment. Past recipients include Selena Gomez, Kerry Washington, Issa Rae, Ryan Murphy, Amy Pascal, Nina Jacobson, and Selma Blair. Lopez noted that the award is a “relay,” a responsibility to pass opportunities forward while advocating for authentic and inclusive storytelling.

She cited Kiss of the Spider Woman as a particularly meaningful project, calling it “a story about imagination as survival, empathy as rebellion, and humanity as liberation.” Lopez praised the story for its continued relevance, addressing issues of identity, sexuality, and power in nuanced ways.

The two-time Grammy nominee underscored her commitment to elevating voices across communities, saying she has consistently sought to create opportunities for Latinos, Black and brown talent, Indigenous artists, LGBTQ+ communities, women, non-binary individuals, and people with disabilities. “All I have ever wanted is to help people get the visibility, resources, and respect they deserve,” she said.

Before presenting the award, Washington shared a heartfelt tribute, noting that both she and Lopez came from the Bronx and attended the same Girls & Boys Club in their youth. She credited Lopez as a personal inspiration, describing how Lopez’s career and courage showed her what was possible in entertainment. “Without Jennifer Lopez, there is no Kerry Washington,” she said.

The gala also featured remarks and participation from Rachel Sennott, Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, Sarah Paulson, Goldie Hawn, Jimmy Kimmel, and Molly McNearney. Gwyneth Paltrow received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, presented by Robert Downey Jr. Roughly 30 high school juniors and seniors from THR’s Women in Entertainment Mentorship Program were also in attendance.

The breakfast gala was sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Medicube, Reyka Vodka, Seven Bucks Productions, and partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Entertainment Industry Foundation, Gersh, Chapman University, and Loyola Marymount University.

Lopez concluded her speech with a promise to continue advocating for inclusive storytelling. “Let’s keep telling stories like Kiss of the Spider Woman that liberate people long before the world realizes how desperately it needs them,” she said, leaving the audience inspired by her dedication to equity, representation, and meaningful change in entertainment.