The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada is proud to announce that award-winning director and actor Karena Evans will receive the Breakthrough Award at this year’s inaugural Canadian event in Toronto on May 30. 

The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada’s Breakthrough Award was created to recognize rising stars in entertainment who are making waves in a big way with bold, innovative storytelling and a distinct artistic vision.

Karena Evans is a visionary artist who tells impactful stories across film, music, and television. She is driven by her love of story and its deeper meaning. With a persistent craving for truth and curiosity about human potential, she is fascinated by the capacity of the heart – how it shifts and transforms through conflict and relationships. Through a stylized, sensitive, and intimate lens, her culturally rooted work explores diverse narratives about the human condition.

Evans was the first woman to be honoured with the prestigious Prism Prize Lipsett Award in 2018. She took home ‘Best Director’ at the 2018 Much Music Video Awards, ‘Director of the Year’ at the 2019 BET Awards and the 2018 BET Hip-Hop Awards, as well as ‘Video of the Year’ at the 2018 BET Awards for Drake’s juggernaut hit, ‘God’s Plan.’ She also won the Grand Prix at Cannes Lions in 2020 for the first-of-its-kind, interactive experience ‘Swipe Night’ for Tinder.

Whether behind the camera or in front, Evans strives to represent the underrepresented.

OUR SCHEDULE IS LIVE!

We’re delighted to announce the full schedule for the inaugural The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada summit!  We’ve programmed a powerful day of dynamic content, inspiring stories, and exciting Awards to recognize and celebrate amazing Canadian women in entertainment.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this groundbreaking new Canadian event taking place on Thursday, May 30 at the Park Hyatt Toronto. Tickets are now available for The Hollywood Reporter Women in Entertainment Canada summit.  Tickets are limited so don’t delay!

To purchase a ticket or for more information please visit our website at: www.womeninentertainment.ca.

Need a hotel? Use code G-HRC2 to book your room at the Park Hyatt Toronto at our discounted rate.

Questions? Reach out to us at [email protected].