Variety is pleased to announce the honorees for its upcoming Power of Women issue on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and event that same evening in Beverly Hills. The event, in partnership with Lifetime, celebrates the Power of Women honorees, who will each appear on the cover of the issue, as well as the accomplished women profiled in the annual Women’s Impact Report, which highlights leaders in the entertainment industry.
This year’s Power of Women honorees include Oscar and Emmy Award-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis, who will be seen in 20th Century Studios’ upcoming film “Ella McCay,” in theaters Dec. 12, supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Academy Award-nominated actress and Golden Globe winner Kate Hudson, who stars in the upcoming Focus Features film “Song Sung Blue” in theaters Dec. 25 and currently in production as star and executive producer on the second season of Netflix’s “Running Point,” supporting World Food Programme (WFP); Tony Award–winning, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, dancer, actress and frontwoman for global pop phenomenon The Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger, fresh off her acclaimed turn in “Sunset Blvd,” who will make her Carnegie Hall debut on Oct. 8, supporting Special Olympics; Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, and actress Wanda Sykes, EP and star of Netflix’s “The Upshaws” who is currently on her global “Please & Thank You” tour, supporting the Ruth Ellis Center; and Emmy-nominated actress and producer Sydney Sweeney, who stars in Black Bear’s upcoming biopic “Christy” in theaters Nov. 7 and Lionsgate’s thriller “The Housemaid,” in theaters Dec. 19, supporting National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Variety will also honor World Champion gymnast and activist Aly Raisman with the Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, which recognizes her powerful advocacy and leadership on behalf of survivors of abuse, as well as for showing survivors how the unconditional love of a pet can be part of the healing journey. The recognition ties closely to Purina’s Purple Leash Project, a partnership with nonprofit RedRover that works to support domestic violence survivors on both ends of the leash by creating more pet-friendly domestic violence shelters across the country. Research has shown that nearly half (48%) of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving a dangerous situation because they cannot take their pet with them, yet fewer than 20% of domestic violence shelters nationwide currently accept pets. Since 2019, Purina and RedRover have awarded more than 55 grants to change this, helping to ensure that survivors won’t have to choose between protecting themselves and staying with the pets they love.
The event will be hosted by actress, comedian, writer and author Iliza Shlesinger, who recently debuted her latest stand-up special “Iliza Shlesinger: A Different Animal” on Prime Video and is currently touring around the world with her highly anticipated “Iliza! Live Tour.”
“Power of Women is a seminal event that celebrates entertainment leaders whose actions and voices inspire crucial change,” said Variety CEO and group publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns. “We’re proud to honor these remarkable women and to continue our valued partnership with Lifetime in showcasing their impact. Their creativity, courage, and commitment are shaping the future of our industry.”
Lifetime is the Presenting Partner of the event and Purina is the Premier Partner of the event. Mattel is an Official Partner of the event and will host a branded activation with special gifting to attendees.
Exclusive, curated gift bags will be given to honorees and guests at the event with entertainment, beauty, health and fashion products, from companies including Barry’s, Tarte Cosmetics, The Honest Company, YSE Beauty by Molly Sims, Saint Jane Beauty and more.