Jennifer Aniston was the epitome of grace and appreciation as she accepted the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at The Hollywood Reporter’s 2021 Power 100 Women in Entertainment event, held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on December 8. The iconic Friends star described the accolade as the “honor of the highest magnitude” during her speech to the star-studded audience.
Reflecting on her journey from a 19-year-old waitress in New York, tirelessly auditioning for roles in obscure productions far from Broadway, Jennifer shared her disbelief at the idea of receiving such an esteemed award. She humorously admitted that if someone had approached her back then, claiming she would one day be honored with The Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, she would have regarded them as crazy and asked, “Who’s Sherry Lansing?”
Jennifer continued her speech by paying a heartfelt tribute to Sherry Lansing, emphasizing her trailblazing legacy. She lauded Sherry as the first woman to lead a major studio, with a remarkable string of box office hits and Academy Award-winning films to her name. According to Jennifer, Sherry Lansing paved the way for women in the industry to have the voices and platforms they possess today. She commended Sherry’s kindness and generosity, highlighting her exceptional character that had a lasting impact on those who worked with her.
Jennifer Aniston’s acceptance of the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award not only celebrated her own achievements but also recognized the trailblazing women who have paved the way for others in the entertainment industry. It was a moment of profound acknowledgment and gratitude for the progress made by women in Hollywood, where their voices and contributions are more vital than ever.
