New York Women in Film & Television to celebrate the out standup comic.

The role of women in film, television, and media goes beyond what our favorite thespians wear on the red carpet, and one organization has been advancing women in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) will present their 34th annual Muse Awards event on Thursday, December 11th at a gala luncheon at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel.

The Muse Awards recognize the outstanding vision and achievement of women in the film, television and digital media industries.

This year’s New York Women in Film & Television Muse Awards will honor some outstanding achievers, role models and pioneers in the industry. These include Maggie Gyllenhaal, who is currently starring in The Real Thing on Broadway, and former Curve cover girl, Wanda Sykes, an Emmy and GLAAD Award-winner, stand-up comic, producer and author.

Sykes, one of the funniest and most outspoken comics in the business who literally stands up for equal rights, came out in November 2008 while at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas regarding Proposition 8. She has many entertainment industry achievements, including writing for the Chris Rock Show, acting on the New Adventures of Old Christine, Curb Your Enthusiasm and most recently on Amazon Prime’s Alpha House.

New York Women in Film & Television will also give the ninth annual Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award to Abigail Disney, a philanthropist, activist, and sought-after speaker on women’s leadership and peacebuilding around the world.

“We’re inspired every day by so many of our colleagues who produce groundbreaking work and are true leaders in the entertainment industry,” said New York Women in Film & Television Executive Director Terry Lawler.

“Our job is to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our female peers throughout the year, and the Muse Awards remain a highly-anticipated event for both those who are honored, and all those who join us.”

The New York Women in Film & Television Muse Awards luncheon is a sought-after ticket during the holiday season and is attended by leading executives from major studios, broadcast and cable networks, and film, television and digital media production facilities.

Past recipients include Meryl Streep, Claire Danes, Martha Stewart, Robin Wright, Alfre Woodard, Julianne Moore, Tina Fey, America Ferrera, Julianna Margulies, Vanessa Williams and Lucy Liu.