Jane Fonda, Kirsten Dunst, Amy Pascal Share Laughs, Inspirations at THR's Women in Entertainment Breakfast

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The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Power 100 breakfast, which HBOs Sue Naegle described as "estrogen meets ambition," was held Dec 7 at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Women in Entertainment

The annual breakfast, which Summits Nancy Kirkpatrick said is "the one event of the year that says, You go girl,' "began at 8 am with a reception at the hotels Crystal Ballroom where Sonys Amy Pascal said she feels whats best about the affair is its great for young women to see they can do anything in the business.

PHOTOS: The Scene at THR's 2011 Women In Entertainment Power 100 Breakfast

The program kicked off with an intro from Chelsea Handler, who began by saying, I have no idea why there are so many f***ing men here. She was followed by THR editor Janice Min who said the bottom line on the WIE Power 100 issue is: You want to be on it and we want you to be on it.

Afterward, Lifetimes Nancy Dubuc, who spoke about the need for women to mentor each other, drew applause when she said, We know the most dangerous thing for the men at the top is for the women to be talking and helping each other.

PHOTOS: THR's 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100

Kirsten Dunst then introduced Pascal who paid tribute to the late producer Laura Ziskin and began by saying, I had no idea how much her death would affect me. There are big holes left in so many lives.

Before a video clip played, she told a story of how, when Ziskins ashes were scattered from the Santa Monica pier, dolphins suddenly appeared and began splashing in the water. I swear this happened, said Pascal. We were sure that somehow Laura was able to produce that too.

COMPLETE LIST: 2011 Women in Entertainment Power 100

The Help author Katheryn Stockett was joined by Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis to speak about THRs mentoring program and how this helps young women discover their own beautiful self-worth.

The heavy-set Spencer got a laugh when she began by telling the photographers to aim high. Thats where the money is and joined with Davis in introducing who this years mentees will be.

THR publisher Lynne Segall thanked the events sponsors and organizers before Sherry Lansing spoke regarding honoree Jane Fonda. The former Paramount head told a story of working with Fonda when she was a producer on The China Syndrome and being told by the studio execs that the films name must be changed, news that Lansing dutifully passed on to the actress.

Are you a corporate tool? was Fondas reaction. Where are your instincts? Your values? Are just carrying their water?

Lansing said this was her first experience with how non-compromising the actress could be.

Fonda then began her remarks by saying, Did I really say corporate tool? No wonder people didnt like me.

She accepted the award, whic! h is sha ped like a small crystal block, and joked, its made out of a chunk of the glass ceiling that Sherry broke.

She also corrected Lansing who said Fonda was engaged to Richard Perry by saying she was in love with the record producer but there were no wedding plans. She got a laugh when she did a quick run through of the times shes been married and then not.

Fonda then spoke on the subject of how until women hold decisive positions in the industry films wont reflect the fascinating complexity of womens lives.

She ended her remarks by saying, In the spirit of Laura Ziskin, lets keep moving forward.

Women in Entertainment is presented by Lifetime. Other sponsors include Audi, BCBGMAXAZRIA Group, Gersh, Guggenheim Partners, Marina B, Scandia Down.