Kristen Wiig was celebrated on Thursday night at the annual WIF Honors gala in Los Angeles, where the actor, writer and producer received the prestigious Icon Award. The ceremony, held at the Beverly Hilton, brought together leading female and nonbinary creatives across the industry for a night dedicated to advocacy, visibility and community.
Wiig was introduced by Palm Royale co-star Kaia Gerber, who highlighted Kristen Wiig’s impact on comedy and her continued work in championing women-led stories. Taking the stage, the Saturday Night Live alum admitted to feeling nervous giving a speech as herself, saying, “I’m myself. If I had a wig on and like a turtleneck, I could be like, ‘Kristen’s not here tonight,’ but I have to be myself instead.”
In her remarks, Kristen Wiig spoke about her deep appreciation for telling stories centered on women and female friendship. She pointed to Bridesmaids, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, and Palm Royale as examples of projects that allowed her to explore women’s experiences on their own terms. She also acknowledged Bridesmaids producer Judd Apatow and director Paul Feig for their pivotal role in building her creative path.
However, Kristen Wiig also used the moment to speak candidly about vulnerability and creative fear. “I still have things in my career that I really want to do, that I’m really scared to do,” she said. “There have been things that maybe I haven’t done because I’m afraid to fail and I’m afraid of criticism. I’m sensitive; I’m an HSP Highly Sensitive Person. It’s a real thing, look it up.”
She encouraged those in attendance to push past self-doubt together. “Let’s make a collective pact with each other to do the thing we’re scared of,” Kristen Wiig said. “Let’s be nice to each other and make cool things and let them say what they want.”
The evening included several additional honors recognizing activism and advocacy within film and television. Jane Fonda presented her namesake Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award to Jamie Lee Curtis, praising the star for her long record of philanthropic leadership. Fonda noted that Curtis “leverages her career for causes that transcend career,” calling her a “fearless advocate.”
Curtis, wearing a shirt that read “resist,” paid tribute to her mother, actor Janet Leigh, who inspired her own approach to charitable work. “I know that my mother would be very proud that her life and her work made an impact on mine,” she said.
The Crystal Award for Advocacy in Television was presented to the creators of Netflix’s Forever. Mara Brock Akil and Regina King participated in a conversation about the show’s focus on providing space for young Black characters to grow and be seen without fear. “Our Black children are under siege,” Akil said. “To be able to see themselves in each other and to enjoy the idea of being desired and not feared that’s what I want.”
The Crystal Award for Advocacy in Film went to Hedda, represented by star Tessa Thompson and producers Dede Gardner and Gabrielle Nadig. Thompson emphasized that meaningful change in the industry begins with employment. “We have to hire women,” she said. “That’s how we advocate.”
The Max Mara Face of the Future Award was presented to Maude Apatow, who used her speech to recognize the women who have shaped her work and personal life. “The best part about working in the industry so far has been the women I’ve met along the way,” she said. “I will dedicate the rest of my life and career to advocating for women, the way so many of you have done for decades.”
The WIF Honors continues to stand as a central event recognizing not only creative excellence but also the sustained fight for equality and representation in entertainment a mission echoed throughout the evening in every speech and story shared.
