It was all waterworks at THR 2017 Women in Entertainment breakfast as Gal Gadot presented the first-ever Wonder Woman Scholarship to a superhero student.
It was all waterworks at the Hollywood Reporter 2017 Women in Entertainment breakfast as Gal Gadot presented the first-ever Wonder Woman Scholarship to one inspiring young woman.
A self-admitted nervous reader, Gadot none the less gave a lovely introduction, lauding the winner and talented women like her.
She said:
"I’ve had the privilege of portraying a superhero on screen, but the young women here today are the real superheroes. They’ve overcome so many challenges in their lives and they’re driven to do more. They are the true leaders of tomorrow. Wonder Woman’s official biography says that she fights evil while hoping to unlock the potential of humanity. In that spirit, Wonder Woman Scholarship will help unlock the full potential of one brilliant young woman."
The worthy recipient was aspiring screenwriter and current Loyola Marymount University student Carla Arellano. Shocked and teary-eyed, the proud Latina student approached the podium with her mentor Laurie Zaks, the executive at Mandeville Films.
“Man, I knew something was up!” she said. “I was like ‘Why would they invite me?’ Y’all are sneaky!” she said.
Her touching thank-yous interspersed with hilarious sincerity charmed an already emotional room, getting big laughs from attendees like presenter Jennifer Lawrence and keynote speaker Angelina Jolie.
“I’d like to thank my mom, who has lifted me up every time I’ve fallen…All I can think about are all the papers I have to write for my finals! Now I have to do them…”
Without the scholarship, Arellano would have been unable to continue her studies.
This is only the latest example of the Isreali actress’s commitment to being wonderful on-screen and off, tirelessly advocating for women while inspiring young girls.
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Arellano closed her speech with a beautiful quote from Frida Kahlo that moved Gadot to tears and proved she was the true Wonder Woman of the day.
“Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?”