In a remarkable display of support for education, Dakota Johnson, Regina Hall, and Chase Infiniti came together to present $1 million in college scholarships to deserving high school seniors. This generous gesture took center stage at The Hollywood Reporter‘s 2025 Women in Entertainment Gala, a prestigious event that celebrates influential women in the industry. Held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the occasion spotlighted these students from underserved communities in Los Angeles, offering them hope and opportunities for a brighter future.
The Event: A Celebration of Achievement
The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment gala, presented by Lifetime, coincided with the release of their annual issue featuring the most powerful women in the entertainment industry. The scholarship presentation served as a highlight of the event, underscoring the commitment to fostering new talent from diverse backgrounds. Dakota Johnson initiated the ceremony, emphasizing the transformative nature of THR’s mentorship program, in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Entertainment Industry Foundation.
“Sixteen years ago, Stephen Galloway — now the dean of Chapman University’s Dodge College — launched this program while serving as THR’s executive editor,” Johnson stated, highlighting the seeds of mentorship planted years ago. She praised the perseverance of students overcoming adversity to achieve educational milestones, receiving an enthusiastic response from attendees.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Mentees
Johnson introduced a poignant video showcasing the year’s mentees, which resonated deeply with the audience. Following the presentation, Regina Hall humorously noted, “You know, we wanted to see that too,” drawing laughter for the trio’s inability to view the stage video.
Hall further announced Lifetime’s generous $10,000 scholarships for each graduate of the program, while acknowledging partners like the Golden Globe Foundation and Gersh. WME’s contribution of $75,000 plays a crucial role in sustaining the program’s operations, emphasizing the collective effort to drive change.
Life-Changing Donations
The event also featured generous contributions beyond scholarships. Danny Garcia and Seven Bucks Productions provided each new mentee a MacBook Air, while Chase Infiniti revealed that mentees entering college would also receive laptops courtesy of the Wasserman Foundation. Such gifts highlight the breadth of support designed to ease the transition into higher education.
Scholarship announcements continued throughout the morning. The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation presented its first scholarship for Chapman University, awarded to Elisa, followed by Loyola Marymount University’s scholarship, received by Leah. Luna was the recipient of the final scholarship, once again to Chapman University, reinforcing the impact of these grants on each recipient’s educational journey.
Future Leaders and Industry Change
Since its inception, more than 275 students have benefited from the Women in Entertainment program, attending prestigious universities such as Harvard, UC Berkeley, and Northwestern. Supported by over $15 million in scholarships raised by THR, the program embodies a legacy of empowerment and transformation.
The gala drew notable figures, with Rachel Sennott serving as host and appearances by Sarah Paulson, Goldie Hawn, Jimmy Kimmel, and Molly McNearney. Jennifer Lopez was honored with the Equity in Entertainment Award by Kerry Washington, while Gwyneth Paltrow received the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
Sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Medicube, Reyka Vodka, and Seven Bucks Productions, the gala was a testament to the unwavering commitment of its partners, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and Chapman University. Together, they champion the cause of education, driving the future of the entertainment industry towards inclusivity and excellence.
