Actors Ralph Fiennes, left, and Cate Blanchett attend The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit Honoring Cate Blanchett at The Museum of Modern Art on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
By Jocelyn Noveck, National Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --
Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett has been honored for her film work at a glittery gala at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
Blanchett was the honoree Tuesday at the museum's eighth annual film benefit, which raises funds so that important cinematic works can join the museum's collection. She told the crowd that her own efforts feel insignificant in view of "the horrific events in Europe and the Middle East."
Speaking at the tribute was actor Ralph Fiennes and director Todd Haynes, who directs Blanchett in the lesbian romance "Carol." Also attending was director Martin Scorsese and actresses Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Rose Byrne and Diane Kruger.
Pepsi soft drinks in plastic bottles are on sale at a grocery store in New York on Weds., Nov. 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey, File)
PepsiCo confirmed Friday that it's ending some of its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, even as rival Coca-Cola voiced support for its own inclusion efforts.
In a memo sent to employees, PepsiCo CEO Ramon Laguarta said the company will no longer set goals for minority representation in its managerial roles or supplier base. The company will also align its sponsorships to events and groups that promote business growth, he said.
Laguarta wrote that inclusion remains important to PepsiCo, whose brands include Gatorade, Lay's potato chips, Doritos, Mountain Dew as well as Pepsi. The Purchase, New York-based company's chief diversity officer will transition to a broader role focused on employee engagement, leadership development and ensuring an inclusive culture, he said.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last month, U.S. government agencies, companies and schools have rushed to reevaluate policies and programs they adopted with the goal of reducing discrimination against members of minority groups, women and LGBTQ+ people.
Trump ended DEI programs within the federal government and has warned schools to end DEI programs or risk losing federal money.
PepsiCo's rollback came as Coca-Cola reaffirmed support for its DEI efforts.
In its annual report, Atlanta-based Coke warned that its business could be negatively affected if it is unable to attract employees that reflect its broad range of customers.
"Failure to maintain a corporate culture that fosters innovation, collaboration and inclusion … could disrupt our operations and adversely affect our business and our future success," the company said.
Coca-Cola has set a goal of having women in 50% of its senior leadership roles by... Read More
