Stars of 'The Help' honor Hollywood women

BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) - For the 20th consecutive year, Hollywood's most powerful women broke bread at the Beverly Hills Hotel to celebrate their achievements in entertainment...

Luther Vandross was outed as gay after his death.

BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) — For the 20th consecutive year, Hollywood’s most powerful women broke bread at the Beverly Hills Hotel to celebrate their achievements in entertainment.

Former Paramount Pictures chief Sherry Lansing lauded her friend Jane Fonda on Wednesday for her pioneering work in film, fitness, philanthropy and activism.

Actress Kirsten Dunst and Sony Pictures co-chairman Amy Pascal presented a tribute to Laura Ziskin. The late filmmaker and Stand Up To Cancer founder helped raise more than $180 million for research before succumbing to the disease in June.

“The Help” author Kathryn Stockett and stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer saluted Hollywood’s future female talents: 12 Los Angeles-area high school juniors who will be mentored by female entertainment executives for the next year.

Chelsea Handler and Kate Bosworth also attended the event.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.

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