Christine Ebersole, Debra Monk, & More Will Present at the New York Women in Film & Television Designing Women Awards Gala

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 19thannual 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 Croonquistwill 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 Lausevicand 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 Affairand Orange Is the New Black, and from films such as Hidden Figures, Titanic, The Girl on the Train, Manchester by the Seaand 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 48thSt, 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.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride