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  1. Canada

Women's Film and Television Awards Move to Toronto, Change Format

Carla Warrilow
December 13, 2011

On Saturday, December 3, the Women’s International Film and Television Showcase honoured influential and inspiring women at the International Visionary Awards ceremony for 300 guests at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. This was the first time the annual ceremony was held outside of Los Angeles, and the organization plans to continue expanding internationally, hosting the awards in different countries every year.

Co-produced by sponsor Elizabeth Grant International Inc., the event recognizes inspiring women in the film and television industry. “There is an industry and there is a business behind [film and television]. It’s not just all about the glitz and glamour,” said Margot Grant Witz, vice president of creative global direction at Elizabeth Grant International, who helped to produce the event. The program also presents honourary awards to women who make significant contributions in business and world politics.

This was the first time that the Visionary Awards were hosted in a theatre space. Producers made ample use of the screen, and each honouree was introduced with film clips that showcased their work. Also new this year was the addition of a pre-awards reception.

“We made it more of an event,” said Grant Witz. Guests arrived at 1 p.m. for the reception, where drinks and canapés from Oliver & Bonacini were served. The awards ceremony continued from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

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Photo: Arthur Mola
The pre-awards reception took place in the BlackBerry Lounge in the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The pre-awards reception took place in the BlackBerry Lounge in the TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Photo: Arthur Mola
Margot Grant Witz, vice president of creative global direction at Elizabeth Grant International, received an award and co-produced the event.
Margot Grant Witz, vice president of creative global direction at Elizabeth Grant International, received an award and co-produced the event.
Photo: Arthur Mola
The awards ceremony in a TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre drew 300 guests.
The awards ceremony in a TIFF Bell Lightbox theatre drew 300 guests.
Photo: Arthur Mola
This was the first time the awards were held in a theatre space. The foundation incorporated video clips of the honourees' work into the ceremony.
This was the first time the awards were held in a theatre space. The foundation incorporated video clips of the honourees' work into the ceremony.
Photo: Arthur Mola
Television personality Mike Chalut was master of ceremonies for the awards.
Television personality Mike Chalut was master of ceremonies for the awards.
Photo: Arthur Mola
Elizabeth Grant (right) awarded Sammie Kennedy with the Elizabeth Grant Entrepreneur Award for her work as creator and C.E.O. of Booty Camp Fitness.
Elizabeth Grant (right) awarded Sammie Kennedy with the Elizabeth Grant Entrepreneur Award for her work as creator and C.E.O. of Booty Camp Fitness.
Photo: Arthur Mola
Donald Goodrich accepted the humanitarian award on behalf of his late wife, Sally Goodrich, who built a school for girls in Afghanistan in honour of her son. Guests watched video clips of Sally Goodrich meeting with elders in an Afghanistan village.
Donald Goodrich accepted the humanitarian award on behalf of his late wife, Sally Goodrich, who built a school for girls in Afghanistan in honour of her son. Guests watched video clips of Sally Goodrich meeting with elders in an Afghanistan village.
Photo: Arthur Mola
Honourees received wing-shaped porcelain awards for their inspiring work.
Honourees received wing-shaped porcelain awards for their inspiring work.
Photo: Arthur Mola
Guests received Elizabeth Grant skin-care products as gifts to take home.
Guests received Elizabeth Grant skin-care products as gifts to take home.
Photo: Arthur Mola
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