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THR's Women in Entertainment Panel Features Gwyneth Paltrow and Sherry Lansing

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, November 10th 2025 at 17:09 GMT by The Hollywood Reporter

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THR’s Women in Entertainment Celebration Spotlights Gwyneth Paltrow and Sherry Lansing

The Hollywood Reporter’s newly launched Women in Entertainment series took center stage last week with a high‑profile gathering that paired two of the industry’s most recognizable female figures: actress‑entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow and former Paramount Pictures chief executive Sherry Lansing. The event, hosted at the historic El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles, was part of THR’s effort to foreground women’s achievements and ongoing challenges in film, television, and media.

A Fresh Platform for Female Leadership

THR unveiled its Women in Entertainment initiative in early 2024 with the goal of amplifying female voices across all facets of the entertainment business. The series, which blends live panels, round‑table discussions, and behind‑the‑scenes profiles, is intended to serve as both a celebration and a catalyst for change. According to THR’s executive producer, “We’re building a space where women can share their stories, celebrate milestones, and help chart the next wave of leaders.”

The inaugural panel drew a crowd of 300 industry professionals, media outlets, and fans eager to hear from those who have broken ground in an environment that historically favored male narratives. In addition to Paltrow and Lansing, the event featured other luminaries such as film producer Shonda Rhimes, director Ava DuVernay, and television writer‑executive Dan J. Carlin.

Gwyneth Paltrow: From On‑Screen Success to Business Advocacy

Paltrow—known for her roles in Thelma & Louise, Iron Man, and The Avengers—joined the panel to discuss her evolution from actress to businesswoman and advocate for women’s wellness and empowerment. In her speech, she highlighted her founding of Goop, a wellness brand that has grown into a multimillion‑dollar enterprise and a platform for women entrepreneurs.

“Every woman has a story worth telling,” Paltrow told the audience. “And as someone who’s walked the line between art and commerce, I’ve learned that stories can change the way we see ourselves and each other.” She pointed to Goop’s initiatives—such as the “Women in Wellness” series, which partners with female leaders to create content that blends science, culture, and storytelling—as evidence that business can be a force for positive social change.

Paltrow also used the moment to critique Hollywood’s “old‑school” gatekeeping. She argued that the industry still fails to offer women the same creative freedom afforded to their male counterparts. “I’ve had to fight for my agency as an actor, and as a business owner, I’ve had to fight for my agency again,” she said. The crowd responded with a chorus of agreement, underscoring the broader push for equity.

Sherry Lansing: A Trailblazer for Women in Executive Roles

Sherry Lansing, who served as Paramount Pictures’ chief executive officer from 2016 to 2020, is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in Hollywood’s corporate history. A former president of Paramount, she played a pivotal role in steering the studio through a transformative era that included the acquisition of streaming rights, the launch of new franchises, and the expansion of international markets.

Lansing reflected on her own journey, recounting the obstacles she faced as a woman in an industry that was, and in many ways remains, dominated by men. She emphasized the importance of mentorship and networks for young women looking to break into executive positions. “I’ve always believed that leadership is about listening and learning from diverse perspectives,” she said. “When I stepped into Paramount’s boardroom, I made a point of cultivating an environment where voices—especially women’s voices—were heard.”

She also highlighted the role of media conglomerates in shaping cultural narratives. The panelist urged studios to diversify their programming, pointing to Paramount’s increased investment in female‑led projects such as Wonder Woman 1984 and the upcoming Avatar sequels, which feature strong female characters.

Panel Themes and Audience Takeaways

The discussion unfolded around several core themes: representation, mentorship, financial equity, and the evolving nature of media consumption. Participants shared personal anecdotes and data-backed insights. For instance, Paltrow cited the 2023 Women in Film survey, which noted that women hold only 20% of executive positions in major studios. In contrast, Lansing emphasized Paramount’s initiative that increased female senior‑leadership appointments by 15% in the past two years.

Industry analysts in attendance noted that the event also served as a launchpad for new projects. Several production companies announced collaborations with female writers and directors, and a new grant was unveiled to support first‑time female filmmakers. In an after‑talk, THR’s creative director revealed that the Women in Entertainment series would now include a weekly podcast featuring women across the spectrum—from set designers to marketing strategists.

Additional Resources Highlighted During the Event

While the live event focused on speeches and panels, the THR website linked to several supplementary resources that enriched the conversation:

1. THR Women in Entertainment Archive – An online repository that includes video recordings, speaker bios, and a timeline of milestones. The archive also provides a searchable database of women who have been recognized at the annual THR Women in Entertainment awards ceremony.

2. Goop Wellness Series – A collection of multimedia content featuring interviews with women scientists, entrepreneurs, and artists. The series has received praise for its focus on holistic health and is highlighted as a model for integrating wellness into corporate culture.

3. Paramount’s Diversity & Inclusion Report – A PDF outlining Paramount’s progress toward gender and racial diversity in leadership. The report includes quantitative data and actionable goals, which were referenced by Lansing when discussing studio accountability.

4. Sherry Lansing’s Biography on Paramount.com – The studio’s official biography details her strategic accomplishments, including the studio’s successful acquisition of Spider‑Man: No Way Home and the launch of the Paramount+ streaming service.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

The event sparked immediate buzz on social media, with hashtags such as #WomenInEntertainmentTHR and #PaltrowLansingPanel trending for 24 hours. Critics praised the initiative as a timely reminder of women’s essential roles in storytelling, while also noting the need for sustained institutional support. Many attendees expressed excitement about the potential for new collaborations, particularly in the streaming sector where content demands are high and the competition for diverse voices is fierce.

Looking ahead, THR plans to expand the Women in Entertainment series to include a mentorship program, a scholarship for female students in film schools, and a quarterly newsletter that tracks progress in the industry’s gender equity metrics. The organization also intends to partner with other media outlets to create a cross‑platform series that will amplify stories from underrepresented communities.

Conclusion

Gwyneth Paltrow and Sherry Lansing’s participation in THR’s Women in Entertainment panel underscored a growing recognition that women’s influence in Hollywood extends far beyond the silver screen. By blending lived experience with strategic insight, they offered a blueprint for creating equitable, inclusive, and innovative spaces in media. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, events like this one provide a critical forum for dialogue, accountability, and celebration—ensuring that the next generation of female storytellers, executives, and creators receives the visibility and support they deserve.