Kate Hudson, Sidney Sweeney, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Scherzinger and Jamie Lee Curtis were at the center of the star-studded Variety Power of Women, presented by Lifetime Events, on Wednesday night in Los Angeles.
The event, hosted by Iliza Schlesinger at the Beverly Hills Hotel, highlighted the past year’s achievements of five Variety honorees and many other women in media and entertainment. However, often these women turned the spotlight to other industries. That was the case when Curtis took to the stage to talk about the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, which she supported, and the threat ICE raids pose to its patients.
“This is the team at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. The power of women lies within every woman who works there,” Curtis said. “Every nurse, every child life specialist, every doctor, every patient’s mother, every patient’s mother who shows up to help these children, that’s the power of women. We see it every day. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles The hospitals are in a desperate situation right now. The cuts are terrible and they’re losing a lot of their funding because of the state of the government. People are afraid to go to the hospital because they’re afraid they’ll be picked up by ICE officers.”
Prior to Curtis’ speech, which was the big conclusion to the evening, Variety Power of Women opened with inspiring words from Schlesinger, followed by remarks from Variety co-editors-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoudeh (now co-presidents with publisher Dear Lawrence), and outgoing publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns. The first award winner of the night was Kate Hudson, who was introduced by her friend Octavia Spencer.
“As a mother of three children, I feel this every day. My daughter Loni is 7 years old,” Hudson said. “She’s fearless and funny and completely unaware of how much power she already has. When I look at her, I think of all the kids like her who never had the chance to grow into the people they were meant to be, full of imagination. And if I reach any power and I get it, I have to do everything I can.” We work in a business that gives us the opportunity to reflect on these truths through storytelling. We make people feel seen. We can remind them that they are not alone. But you can’t stop working when the cameras turn off. After all, it is not the applause or accomplishments that we are remembered for, but the people who remind us of the existence of goodness. ”
Next up was Sidney Sweeney, who was introduced by Sharon Stone. Sweeney focused his speech on boxing champion Christy Martin, who he plays in the new movie “Christy.”
“I’m not a fighter in the ring, but I recognized something of myself in Christie,” Sweeney said. “I know what it feels like to be undervalued, to have others define you before you define yourself. I know what it feels like to have to prove that you’re here and that you deserve to be noticed and taken seriously. Each of us has our own battles. Christie reminds us that strength doesn’t always have to be flashy; it’s just standing up again and again, no matter who’s watching. Playing her taught me that survival isn’t the end. This story, it’s the beginning of taking it back.”
Also that night, Olympic gymnast Aly Riseman was presented with the Variety Courage Award by Purina. Raisman, who was introduced by teammate Jordan Chiles, said: “As I stand here, fearing for my life, I think of the millions of people who suffer in silence in abusive relationships.” “I think about the people who have never been told that they matter, that their voices matter, that their bodies belong to them. I think about the people who don’t feel safe in their homes, who feel like they have nowhere to go.”
Winner Wanda Sykes was called on by Jane Fonda to give her acceptance speech about the impending expiration of SNAP benefits amid the government shutdown and its impact on single mothers.
“When women thrive, communities thrive. We make everyone around us better, and we do,” Sykes said. “If we win women, we all win. If men win, sometimes we win young wives. … We’re at a point in time where, given everything that’s going on in government, we need to launch projects where life imitates art. Look at what’s happening with the cuts in SNAP benefits. That’s going to impact single mothers. So I want to do something that speaks to them and uplifts them.”
Eva Longoria presented the honor to Nicole Scherzinger, who used it to support her work with the Special Olympics.
“I have performed at the opening and closing ceremonies of ceremonies, surrounded by athletes whose determination and spirit can move mountains,” Scherzinger said. “I have watched these women redefine what is possible, not just for themselves, but for all of us. They remind me that courage is not measured by medals or applause, but by a bold willingness to show up with all your heart. Women’s power is not just about success or recognition, but how they use their voices, platforms, and influence to lift others up. True power is shared and ignites others.”
Curtis ended the night with a speech by Suzanne Yankovic that quoted the tiles in the 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.”
