Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Scherzinger, and Jamie Lee Curtis were the standout figures at the Variety Power of Women event presented by Lifetime, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday night. Hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, the evening celebrated the achievements of Variety’s five honorees while also honoring the resilience and influence of women across media and entertainment.
Jamie Lee Curtis took the stage to highlight the critical issues facing Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, particularly the detrimental impact of ICE raids on its patients. “The power of women is in every single woman who works at that hospital,” Curtis declared, emphasizing the dire need for support as funding cuts threaten the hospital’s operations. Her heartfelt appeal illuminated the fears families face when seeking medical care amidst a threatening political climate.
The event commenced with lively remarks from Shlesinger and featured speeches from Variety’s co-editors, alongside outgoing publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns. Kate Hudson was the first honoree, introduced by her friend Octavia Spencer. Hudson reflected on motherhood and the responsibility to support children whose potential remains unfulfilled, stressing that the impact of storytelling in their industry must extend beyond the screen.
Sydney Sweeney, introduced by Sharon Stone, spoke about her role in the upcoming film “Christy,” where she portrays boxing champion Christy Martin. Sweeney shared her personal connection to Martin’s journey, inspiring all to recognize their own struggles and resilience.
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman received the Courage Award, where she poignantly addressed the silent suffering of individuals in abusive relationships. She called attention to the urgent need for recognition and support for those affected.
Wanda Sykes, introduced by Jane Fonda, used her platform to address pressing social issues, particularly the impending expiration of SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown, which poses a threat to many single mothers. Sykes highlighted the importance of women’s empowerment in fostering community well-being.
Nicole Scherzinger, honored by Eva Longoria, shared insights from her involvement with the Special Olympics, focusing on the determination and spirit of the athletes she has met. Scherzinger emphasized that true power comes from supporting and uplifting others, not merely from achieving personal success.
Closing the event, Jamie Lee Curtis reiterated the evening’s theme of growth and giving, sharing an inspirational quote from her kitchen: “To live is to learn. To learn is to know. To know is to grow. To grow is to give. To give is to live.” The night served not only to celebrate individual achievements but also to spotlight collective efforts that can lead to meaningful change in the community.