Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Lily Gladstone and Emmy nominee Emma Corrin are scheduled to headline the inaugural season of 'Live in Front of a Student Audience,' a new conversation series presented by Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. The series is set to commence on February 22, with Gladstone discussing her role as Mollie Kyle in Apple Original Films' 'Killers of the Flower Moon.' Following this, on February 26, Corrin will engage in a conversation, having garnered acclaim for her portrayal of Princess Diana in 'The Crown' and upcoming roles in 'Murder at the End of the World' and 'Deadpool 3.'
The live interviews will be conducted in front of a student audience at USC's campus, with the footage also being utilized for a filmed podcast on the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's digital platforms. Dr. Smith expressed that the inspiration for the series stemmed from her interactions with Gen Z students, believing in their potential to drive change in the entertainment industry through their innovative perspectives and inclusive values.
The choice to feature Gladstone as the series opener is significant, given her groundbreaking nomination as the first Native American woman for the Best Actress category at the Academy Awards. This decision also aligns with a recent study by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, which highlighted the scarcity of Native American characters in mainstream films, emphasizing the need to address the erasure and discrimination faced by Indigenous communities.
Furthermore, the announcement of the ongoing series follows the release of a recent study by the Inclusion Initiative, which analyzed the representation of women in the top-grossing films of 2023. The findings revealed a decline in the number of movies featuring women and girls as protagonists compared to the previous year, despite the industry's narrative of 2023 as a pivotal year for female-led stories.
Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue between industry leaders and aspiring creatives, aiming to address pressing issues and inspire meaningful change within the entertainment landscape. Additional speakers for the series are expected to be unveiled soon, promising further insightful discussions on topics relevant to the evolving industry landscape.
