Women In Media’s 2026 Holiday Toast Honours Trailblazing Hollywood Creatives

Women In Media (WiM) will toast women and gender-nonconforming creatives at its ninth Holiday Toast on Saturday, 5 December 2026, at Hotel Sofitel Beverly Hills. The champagne brunch fundraiser will spotlight outstanding artistry, leadership and accomplishments across the industry, both above and below the line.

This year's honourees are cinematographer Cybel Martin, ASC; composer Laura Karpman; and director, producer and writer Tessa Blake. Toastmasters Kathy Bates, Ebony Jones and Claire Scanlon will each raise a glass to one of the distinguished recipients.

Guests can expect an elegant champagne buffet, tributes from colleagues, an inspiring panel and Q&A with the honourees, and a lively silent auction.

The programme will be moderated by Women In Media's founder and executive director, Tema Staig. "Women have shaped the art and craft of filmmaking since the earliest days of cinema, yet their contributions are too often overlooked," says Staig. "The Holiday Toast celebrates the artists making history today while ensuring their achievements become part of the film canon for generations to come."

Blake's television work includes Matlock, 9-1-1, Veronica Mars, Station 19 and the forthcoming Baywatch series, alongside the feature If I Tell You. Bates, serving as toastmaster for Blake, is known for Matlock, American Horror Story, Misery and Titanic.

Karpman's composing credits span American Fiction, Ms. Marvel, Captain America: Brave New World, East of Eden and Walk Run Cha Cha. Director Claire Scanlon, who will toast Karpman, has helmed The Office, Set It Up, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Abbott Elementary and Modern Family, with The Love Hypothesis on the way.

Martin's cinematography includes American Horror Stories, A League of Their Own, Kindred and XO, Kitty. Post producer Ebony Jones, whose credits include Love Story, Kindred, All's Fair and Jack Ryan, will deliver Martin's toast.

Originating from WiM's Seeking Our Story initiative—which highlighted historically significant films directed by women—the Holiday Toast underscores the non-profit's broader mission. Since becoming a non-profit in 2017, WiM has expanded into professional development, networking, advocacy and programmes that drive greater gender balance across entertainment.

Attendees are encouraged to embrace the event's 'Fierce and Fabulous' dress code. VIP Premier ticket-holders receive an exclusive champagne reception from 10am, opportunities to mingle with honourees and special guests, priority seating near the stage and a commemorative flute; general admission begins at 11am.

What: Women In Media 2026 Holiday Toast. When: Saturday, 5 December 2026, 10am–2pm. Where: Hotel Sofitel Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Tickets and information: womennmedia.com/event/2026-holiday-toast/

Sponsorship and press opportunities are available; enquiries: Hello@WomenNMedia.com.

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