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Trailblazer Award Honors Lynda Obst and Paula Weinstein for Pioneering Contributions to Film

The Producers Guild of America (PGA) has announced that Lynda Obst and Paula Weinstein will be posthumously awarded this year’s Trailblazer Award, recognizing their significant contributions to enhancing opportunities for female producers in the film industry.

In a joint statement, PGA leaders Stephanie Allain and Donald De Line remarked, “Lynda Obst and Paula Weinstein have made a lasting impact on the industry with their trailblazing work and steadfast commitment to amplifying women’s voices.”

They continued, “Lynda and Paula embody the spirit of women who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of producers. Their visionary work includes iconic films that have defined eras, alongside their unwavering commitment to championing underrepresented stories. Honoring them highlights their dedication to empowerment, innovation and mentorship, celebrating not just their individual legacies but also their shared commitment to advocating for women and fostering collaboration.”

The award ceremony is set to take place during the PGA Awards on February 8 at the Fairmont Century Plaza.

Lynda Obst, who passed away in October, had an illustrious career, producing renowned films such as “Sleepless in Seattle,” “Interstellar,” “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” and “Contact.” She played a vital role in launching the careers of filmmakers like Nora Ephron and Chris Columbus, producing their directorial debuts “This Is My Life” and “Adventures in Babysitting.” Her contributions extended to television as well, with credits including “Hot in Cleveland,” “Good Girls Revolt,” and “The Hot Zone.” Obst was also a published author, with works like “Hello, He Lied and Other Tales from the Hollywood Trenches” and “Sleepless in Hollywood: Tales from the New Abnormal in the Movie Business.” She was previously honored with the Women in Film Crystal Award and the inaugural Polly Platt Award.

Paula Weinstein, who died in March 2024, was another monumental figure in the industry, known for producing significant titles like “The Perfect Storm,” “Analyze This,” and “The Fabulous Baker Boys.” She also co-produced the celebrated Netflix series “Grace and Frankie,” starring Jane Fonda, whom she had previously represented as an agent. Weinstein’s extensive television portfolio includes projects such as “Recount,” “Too Big to Fail,” and “Iron Jawed Angels.” Throughout her career, she held prominent roles at various major studios including 20th Century Fox, United Artists, and Warner Bros., and served as the chief content officer at Tribeca Enterprises from 2013 to 2023, overseeing the Tribeca Film Festival. As a co-founder of the Hollywood Women’s Political Committee, Weinstein was actively engaged in initiatives supporting women in the industry. She had also received two Women in Film Crystal Awards and participated on President Obama’s National Finance Committee, alongside her involvement on the boards of the ACLU and NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Source
variety.com