New York Women in Film & Television Hosts 19th Annual Designing Women Awards

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT), which has empowered and championed women in the entertainment industry for 40 years, is thrilled to honor the women behind the scenes at this year's New York Women in Film & Television Designing Women Awards Gala on Monday, May 21, 2018. The 19th annual event will honor the distinguished makeup artists, hair stylists and costume designers that work tirelessly to create the characters on screen in film, television and digital media.

This unique showcase of extraordinary achievements by women in the film, television and digital media industries, co-presented by Variety, is attended by actors, producers, directors, writers, fashion industry leaders and, of course, designers. Comedian Sunda Croonquist will host the evening's festivities.

The 2018 Designing Women honorees include three of the most talented women behind the scenes:

· Makeup Artist Martha Melendez (She's Gotta Have It, Roxanne Roxanne, Spike Lee's upcoming BlacKkKlansman)

· Hair Stylist Anita Lausevic (The Deuce, Instinct, Royal Pains)

· Costume Designer Dana Covarrubias (Quantico, Claws, Master of None)

· The acclaimed Amazon series MOZART IN THE JUNGLE will receive Variety's Ensemble Award for its makeup, hair and costume design teams.

Christine Ebersole (Royal Pains, Madam Secretary) will present to hair stylist Anita Lausevic and Nia Long (NCIS, Roxanne Roxanne) will present to makeup artist Martha Melendez, while Debra Monk (The Devil's Advocate, One for the Money, MORE) will honor the team from MOZART IN THE JUNGLE with Variety's Ensemble Award. Actors Lena Waithe (Master of None, Ready Player One), Elizabeth McGovern(Downton Abbey, Ordinary People) and Mark Feuerstein (Royal Pains, Nurse Jackie) will dedicate special tributes via video. Additional presenters will be added to the program and announced over the coming weeks, including what is sure to include a few distinct celebrity guests.

"The Designing Women Awards is one of my favorite events of the year because it allows us to recognize the contributions of incredible entertainment professionals who are rarely in the spotlight - those behind the scenes," says Terry Lawler, Executive Director of New York Women in Film & Television. "Without the artistry and work of these exceptionally talented women, the film and television characters that we love could not exist. It's essential that we commemorate the value that each and every single one of these amazing women brings to the industry."

Past Designing Women honorees have included designers and artists from much-heralded TV shows, including Mad Men, Empire, The Good Wife, The Affair and Orange Is the New Black, and from films such asHidden Figures, Titanic, The Girl on the Train, Manchester by the Sea and Chicago - just to name a few.

This year's event will take place at one of New York City's most unique spaces - Stage 48, located at 605 W 48th St, starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $75 for NYWIFT members and $150 for non-members. Proceeds benefit the non-profit educational programs NYWIFT throughout the year. To purchase tickets, please visit www.nywift.org/design.

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About New York Women in Film & Television

New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) advocates for equality in the moving image industry and supports women in every stage of their careers. As the preeminent entertainment industry association for women in New York, NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training and professional development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing access to a supportive community of peers. NYWIFT brings together nearly 2,500 women and men working both above and below the line. NYWIFT is part of a network of 50 women in film chapters worldwide, representing more than 15,000 members. For further information about New York Women in Film & Television, please visit nywift.org and follow them on social media for additional event updates, news and photos.

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