Max Mara marked a major milestone this year, celebrating 20 years of the WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award—a tribute to rising actresses who embody talent, style, and meaningful impact. First introduced in 2006 at the WIF Crystal + Lucy Awards, the honour has highlighted an impressive lineup of women shaping the future of film and television, from Maria Bello and Emily Blunt to Zoë Saldana, Hailee Steinfeld, Gemma Chan, Joey King, and Yara Shahidi.
Many past recipients have since soared to new creative heights, collecting Oscar, Emmy, and Golden Globe nominations and expanding their influence as producers, directors, and advocates for representation—underscoring the award’s legacy in spotlighting the next generation of visionary talent.
The 20th-anniversary festivities began with an intimate cocktail party at the Chateau Marmont on November 5th, hosted by Maria Giulia Prezioso Maramotti, granddaughter of the Max Mara founder and board member of the fashion group. DJ Mia Moretti set the mood as guests like Maude Apatow, Leslie Mann, Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, Sarah Paulson, and Victoria Justice gathered to toast the milestone.
The celebration continued the next evening at the WIF Honors at the Beverly Hilton. Maria Bello—who received the inaugural award—reflected on Max Mara’s enduring partnership with WIF, noting how the brand’s support has helped expand programs and representation across the industry. Maramotti then presented Maude Apatow with the 2025 WIF Max Mara Face of the Future Award, reaffirming the shared mission between Max Mara and WIF: championing women’s voices on and off screen.
In her acceptance speech, Apatow honoured the women who shaped her—from Judy Blume and Lena Dunham to her mother, Leslie Mann—and spoke to the power of female connection in Hollywood. “The best part of working in the industry so far has been the women I’ve met along the way. That bond and commitment we have to each other is something we need now more than ever. I owe everything to the women in my life who
have inspired me and uplifted me either personally or through their work. I will dedicate the rest of my life and career advocating for women the way so many of you have done for decades,” she said in her acceptance speech.
Since its founding in 1973, WIF has been a driving force for gender equity in entertainment. Through advocacy, career programs, and research, the organisation continues to push for systemic change and stronger representation across the screen industries.
READ MORE