United States: 5 Women In Entertainment Who Created History In 2023

The year 2023 was one where the power of women shone through and through. From Hollywood's films to its music industry, women dominated music records, labels, award shows and nominations. 

In this feature, let's delve into five times women in entertainment scripted history with their record-smashing performances and numbers, at the box office and prominent award shows. 

Kim Petras 

In a groundbreaking moment, Kim Petras, the German singer-songwriter, clinched the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Sam Smith with their hit Unholy. Notably, she made history as the first transgender woman to secure a Grammy in this category.  During her acceptance speech, the 30-year-old expressed gratitude to trailblazing transgender figures preceding her,  recognizing their role in opening doors for her. Petras also paid tribute to the late producer Sophie, a friend and collaborator, and thanked Madonna for her advocacy of LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, she acknowledged her mother's pivotal role, emphasizing the unwavering support that shaped her journey from growing up next to a highway in Germany to this significant milestone.  

Viola Davis 

The 57-year-old actress Viola Davis achieved EGOT status, marking her as the third Black woman in history to attain this esteemed distinction. Securing her first Grammy for the best audiobook, narration, and storytelling recording of her memoir, Finding Me, Davis reflected on her journey,  expressing that she wrote the book to honour her 6-year-old  self and encapsulate her life, joy, and trauma. With previous wins at the Emmy Awards in 2015 for How to Get  Away With Murder, an Oscar for Fences in 2017, and Tony  Awards for King Hedley II in 2001 and the original  Broadway performance of Fences in 2010, Davis jubilantly exclaimed, I just EGOT! (an  Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony). 

Taylor Swift 

Securing the Grammy for Best Music Video with All Too  Well, The Short Film, Taylor Swift made history as the first artist to claim the category with exclusive directorial credit for their music video. Despite her absence at the initial ceremony, the 33-year-old songstress expressed her elation on Twitter after learning about the win. In a heartfelt message, Swift conveyed the significance of being recognized by the Recording Academy and her peers as a director. She emphasized the acknowledgement of her efforts to reclaim her music and extended gratitude to the dedicated fans who played a pivotal role in making this achievement a reality. 

Germaine Franco 

The accolade for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media at the Grammy Awards went to Germaine Franco for her composition in the Disney animated film  Encanto. Breaking new ground, Franco became the first woman of colour to secure this prestigious award. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to Lin-Manuel Miranda,  the songwriter for Encanto, and took pride in being the first Latina to clinch the honour. Notably, Franco stood as the sole female nominee in the category, triumphing over scores from notable productions like The Batman, No Time to Die, The Power of the  Dog, and Succession. 

Beyoncé has made Grammy history as the most-awarded artist, securing four wins for her album Renaissance. Her victories in categories such as Best Dance/Electronic  Recording, Best Traditional R&B Performance, Best  R&B Song, and Best Dance/Electronic Music Album have elevated her total Grammy count to an impressive  32, surpassing the previous record of 31 held by conductor Georg Solti. In her acceptance speech, the 41- 41-year-old artist paid tribute to her late uncle Johnny,  acknowledging his role in introducing her to the house music that inspired Renaissance.  Additionally, she gave a special acknowledgement to the queer community, expressing gratitude for their continuous support and their influence in shaping and pioneering the genre.