BizBash
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
Topics
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • Industry Buzz
  • BizBash Lists
Resources
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
User Tools
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Get Featured
  • Press Releases
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Subscribe to Magazine
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  • Production & Strategy
  • Catering & Design
  • Event Tech & Virtual
  • Venues & Destinations
  • Meetings & Trade Shows
  • Sports
  • Advertise
  • Events
  • On-Demand
  • White Papers & E-Books
  • Podcast
  • Magazine
  • Events
  • Awards
  • Subscribe
  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.

Saam2 1789png
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
Latest in Canada
'I’ve worked with Edge Catering many times, and they are always my first call for the 'tricky ones'—which, as an event planner in the mountains, come up often!' says Heather Odendaal, founder and CEO of Bluebird, a destination management firm in Western Canada. 'Their staff, food quality, service, and organization are truly top of the line.'
Opinion & Experts
3 Event Profs in Canada Share Their Favorite Vendors
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Canada
5 New Venues in Canada for Spring 2025 Meetings and Events
TO Fest welcomed 100 clients and prospects to Kulture ahead of PCMA CL's closing night event—headlined by Gwen Stefani—at the nearby convention center. Upon entering, guests could pose in front of this VIP backstage-inspired photo op.
Meetings
How Destination Toronto Brought Festival Vibes to a Major Industry Conference
Asheville was hit hard last September by Hurricane Helene, which brought flash floods, landslides, and record rainfall. Since then, the city has been recovering and is now eager to welcome back groups.
Trends
What's New in Meetings and Trade Shows: Hilton Trends Report, Disney's Creative Studio for Event Profs, Asheville Bounces Back, and More
Related Stories
Sasarjounfaour Battle161
Canada
Top Fund-Raisers Cook Alongside Bobby Flay at Chef's Challenge for a Cure
Saimg 3342
Canada
University of Toronto Hosts Fund-Raising Announcement in a 22,000-Square-Foot Tent
Stad
Canada
10 Ideas for Company Holiday Parties in Toronto
Standalone2
Canada
Absolut Vodka Hosts Pop-Up Cocktail Party in Dundas Square
More in Canada
Opinion & Experts
3 Event Profs in Canada Share Their Favorite Vendors
Event professionals reveal their preferred partners across entertainment, catering, photo booths, and more.
'I’ve worked with Edge Catering many times, and they are always my first call for the 'tricky ones'—which, as an event planner in the mountains, come up often!' says Heather Odendaal, founder and CEO of Bluebird, a destination management firm in Western Canada. 'Their staff, food quality, service, and organization are truly top of the line.'
Canada
5 New Venues in Canada for Spring 2025 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in Canada.
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Meetings
How Destination Toronto Brought Festival Vibes to a Major Industry Conference
The destination marketing organization designed quick yet impactful activations for a closing night event during PCMA CL.
TO Fest welcomed 100 clients and prospects to Kulture ahead of PCMA CL's closing night event—headlined by Gwen Stefani—at the nearby convention center. Upon entering, guests could pose in front of this VIP backstage-inspired photo op.
Trends
What's New in Meetings and Trade Shows: Hilton Trends Report, Disney's Creative Studio for Event Profs, Asheville Bounces Back, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news related to meetings, trade shows, and CVBs/DMOs.
Asheville was hit hard last September by Hurricane Helene, which brought flash floods, landslides, and record rainfall. Since then, the city has been recovering and is now eager to welcome back groups.
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
29 Cool Ideas You May Have Missed From Gymshark, Ghirardelli, J.Crew, and More
Here’s a look at some steal-worthy ideas we spotted in December 2024.
In a fun, holiday-inspired touch, a Christmas tree was constructed from medicine balls.
Event Production & Fabrication
From Blank Space to Event Space: See Inside This Massive Taylor Swift Fan Experience in Toronto
During the singer’s current six-show run in the city, fans are gathering at Toronto's Version: Taylgate '24 to celebrate—and trade friendship bracelets, of course—with fellow Swifties.
“It was vital that we put on an event for those with and without tickets, and for that reason, we had to secure a huge and versatile space within a stone’s throw of the concert venue at the Rogers Centre,” Goldstein explained about the decision to hold the event in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
Most Popular
Event Production & Fabrication
20 Bold Event Entrances That Made a Lasting Impression
Sports
Why Golf Is Suddenly the Coolest Brand Platform Around
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Tips for Producing Events in Real-World Locations
Event Production & Fabrication
5 Music Event Trends Making Noise in 2025
Meetings
How The Wall Street Journal Designed Its Future of Everything Event Around a B2B Crowd
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
Brands Are Backing Out of This Year's Pride Events—But Some Are Stepping Up
Experiential Marketing, Activations & Sponsorships
35 Cool Event Ideas You May Have Missed From Savage x Fenty, Pinterest, Dunkin', and More
Here’s a look at some steal-worthy ideas we spotted in October 2024.
Origins' Youthtopia Activation
Sponsored
Montréal Makes It More
From venues to menus, everything here has a little something extra.
23914771 Contenu Marketing 700x467 Px 1
Places
8 Convention Centers with Art Gallery-Worthy Vibes
From British Columbia to Miami, we highlight standout art collections from convention centers throughout North America.
Moscone Center | San Francisco
Strategy
How a Breakout Session at ASAE Turned Into a Border Crossing to Canada
Hint: with passports, a 25-minute flight from Cleveland, and a lot of help from Destination Canada.
Once on Pelee Island, Ontario, participants heard a talk from Canadian sustainability expert and author Leor Rotchild. The setting overlooking the lake was purposeful to really bring home of the excursion's message of sustainability.
Trends
What's New in Meetings and Trade Shows: Industry Growth Projected for 2024, a Standout Exhibitor at ASAE, New Orleans Convention Center Renovations, and More
BizBash rounds up the latest news related to meetings, trade shows, and CVBs/DMOs.
Destination Canada launched a new marketing campaign at ASAE this year—with some unconventional twists. Read more below.
Canada
5 New Venues in Canada for Summer 2024 Meetings and Events
Take a peek at these buzzworthy restaurants, hotels, meeting and event spaces, and more recently opened in Canada.
Moxy Banff
Page 1 of 174
Next Page
BizBash
Follow BizBash
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconFacebook iconTwitter X icon Pinterest iconYouTube iconTikTok
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. CCPA: Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  3. Contact Us
  4. Site Map
© 2025 Connect Biz, LLC. All rights reserved.