Jennifer Hudson, Sharon Stone, Pearlena Igbokwe, and Melissa McCarthy were the central figures at Variety’s Power of Women event, presented by Lifetime and held on Wednesday night at The Beverly Hills Hotel. Hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, the annual gathering celebrated the honorees’ professional milestones while redirecting attention toward the charitable initiatives they support.
Following opening remarks from Variety executives Dea Lawrence, Ramin Setoodeh, and Cynthia Littleton, Hudson delivered a performance of “I Will Always Love You” before the awards began. Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studios Group, was introduced by Queen Latifah. In her speech, the television executive honored the nonprofit A Better Chance, which provided her with educational support and mentoring. “My origin story started with hard work, but someone had to give me an opportunity. No one achieves anything alone,” Igbokwe said.
The evening also recognized Paige DeSorbo, who accepted the Courage Award from the Purina Purple Leash Project. Introduced by Molly Sims, DeSorbo spoke about surviving domestic abuse during her teenage years and credited her cat, Daphne, with providing emotional stability. She highlighted how the charity assists in creating pet-friendly shelters for abuse survivors.
Hudson subsequently returned to the stage to accept the Variety Changemaker Award for her talk show, a honor presented by Waymo. She addressed the concept of female power, stating, “We are told to be strong, never told to be powerful. But power can be good, and in the right hands, power can change the world for the better.” She also used the moment to promote the Jennifer Hudson Foundation.
McCarthy was welcomed by former “Gilmore Girls” co-star Lauren Graham. The “Bridesmaids” actress focused her remarks on the Joyful Heart Foundation and paid tribute to Gloria Steinem, who passed away earlier that month, as well as Mariska Hargitay. McCarthy defined power not as toughness, but as the willingness to “roll up their sleeves and help bring change.”
The event continued with Issa Rae receiving the Variety Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Introduced by Normani’s acoustic performance of “Motivation,” Rae discussed her responsibility to invest in and platform diverse voices. “Nothing can stop me from trying to figure out where I can be useful,” she said.
Sharon Stone closed the night, introduced by Marc Maron. Reflecting on her career evolution from sex symbol to acclaimed actress and producer, Stone remarked, “For those of us who got here, it’s the top of our heads that broke that glass ceiling.” She emphasized solidarity among the women in attendance, adding, “I do not stand alone when I stand here.”
Paige DeSorbo’s story about her cat Daphne helped her survive domestic abuse? That is incredibly touching and important to share.
I’m skeptical this changes much for women in the industry, but at least they are using the platform responsibly for good.
Sharon Stone closing with ‘I do not stand alone’ gave me chills. A powerful reminder that success is never solitary.
Did anyone else think Pearlena Igbokwe’s speech about opportunity was the most important moment of the entire evening?
It was so refreshing to hear the honorees pivot from self-congratulation to genuine charity work. That is real leadership.