Reese Witherspoon to Receive Leadership Award at THR’s Women in Entertainment Gala

Actress and producer Reese Witherspoon is set to receive the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at the Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment gala.

The award recognizes trailblazers and philanthropists in the industry, and is named after former Paramount Pictures CEO Sherry Lansing, who was the first woman to run a studio.

Witherspoon has some big shoes to fill. She follows in the footsteps of previous winners like Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Walters and Helen Mirren.

THR editorial director Matthew Belloni praised her, saying in a statement, "Reese has transformed herself from acclaimed actress to one of Hollywood's most prolific producers. She is a perfect fit to carry on the legacy of trailblazing women by receiving the Sherry Lansing Award."

The gala will take place December 11 in L.A., and will include a keynote speech by political activist and author Stacey Abrams. Charlize Theron is also set to hand out $1 million in scholarships to underserved local youth.