Gracie Awards 2025: Brooke Lewis Bellas Returns
Actress-producer joins judging panel at the 50th ceremony marking her red carpet comeback.
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Alliance Honors Celebrate 50th Gracie Awards
Brooke Lewis Bellas returned to the limelight at the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation’s 50th Annual Gracie Awards on March 25, 2025. After a lengthy hiatus battling long COVID and autoimmune complications, the actress, producer and horror-film veteran took her place among an all-female judging panel that celebrates outstanding media created by, for, and about women.
First Return Since Health Hiatus
“It was an honor and a blessing to be invited to the breathtakingly beautiful and powerful Alliance for Women In Media,” Bellas wrote on Instagram. “This was my first Hollywood event back since living with chronic illness for the past few years, so it was extraordinarily special to me.” The Philadelphia native, renowned for her edge-of-your-seat performances in cult classics and her Philly Chick Pictures productions, described the evening as “a moment I will never forget.”
Behind The Scenes Support
In her caption, Bellas showered praise on the organizers who made her comeback possible. She thanked the Alliance For Women In Media and The Gracies team for fostering “a supportive and loving media community,” and singled out publicist Marissa Mooney for “going out of her way to make sure I was welcome on the stunning red carpet.” Executive director Tricia Durrant and her team earned kudos for thoughtful hospitality, while her glam squad—hairstylist Crystal Betke and makeup artist Muamalz—crafted a red-carpet look that received rave reviews.
Red Carpet Style
For the milestone gala at the historic Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Bellas dazzled in a custom Mac Duggal gown featuring crystal beadwork and a plunging neckline. She finished the ensemble with Giuseppe Zanotti heels, diamond jewelry by Le Vian, and an elegant clutch, all captured by photographer Maya Spach.
Recognizing Media Excellence
Hosted by Fortune Feimster, the star-studded ceremony honored content creators across television, radio and digital platforms. Country star Cam delivered a moving musical set that Bellas described as having “moved me through music.” Winners ranged from breakthrough journalists reporting on critical issues to digital influencers sparking cultural conversations—all reflecting the Gracies’ mission to uplift female voices in media.
A Legacy Of Judging
Though this marked Bellas’s first in-person judging assignment since her health challenges began, it continued a deep-rooted partnership with the Gracies. Earlier this year, she evaluated entries remotely for the “The Gracies 50 Years” virtual judging round, praising “exceptional and powerful content from women in media.” (See her Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DJj5zXevzmw/.)
About The Gracies
Established in 1975 by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, the Gracie Awards honor exemplary programming created by women for women across national and local markets. Now celebrating five decades, the ceremony highlights excellence in news, entertainment, and public service, and underscores the Foundation’s commitment to advancing women’s careers in media through education, scholarships, and advocacy.
Career Milestones
Bellas first captured fan devotion as a scream queen in indie horror hits like *Slime City Massacre*, filmed on location in Buffalo, New York. Transitioning behind the camera, she launched Philly Chick Pictures and produced the dramedy series *Stripped*. That series recently earned a Gold Award of Excellence for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at the 31st Annual Communicator Awards, showcasing her dedication to inclusive storytelling.
Inspired By Community
Throughout her caption, Bellas expressed gratitude to mentors and friends who supported her journey. She thanked thought leader Jamie Kern Lima for her encouragement and compassion, crediting Lima with teaching her to “feel worthy to be in this room, health challenges, imperfections, and all.” As she looks ahead, Bellas says she is energized to continue championing women’s voices across media—on-screen, behind the camera and on judging panels alike.
Her red-carpet return to the Gracie Awards, complete with heartfelt acknowledgments and career celebrations, marks an inspiring chapter for an artist who continues to rise above adversity, armed with resilience, community and a steadfast passion for storytelling.
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