The 2025 Variety Power of Women event brought together a constellation of stars including Jamie Lee Curtis, Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Wanda Sykes to celebrate female accomplishment and profound advocacy. Held at the Beverly Hills Hotel and hosted by Iliza Shlesinger, the evening transcended typical accolades, spotlighting vital causes from children’s healthcare to social justice, echoing the timeless theme: ‘When women thrive, the community thrives.’
The Variety Power of Women event stands as a significant annual tradition, recognizing the profound impact women make not only in media and entertainment but across broader society. The 2025 gathering, held on a Wednesday night in Los Angeles, was a testament to this enduring influence. Luminaries like Jamie Lee Curtis, Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Wanda Sykes took center stage, not merely to accept honors but to amplify voices for critical causes, reinforcing the foundational principle that empowering women elevates entire communities.
The Enduring Message: ‘When Women Thrive, the Community Thrives’
The overarching theme of the evening, powerfully articulated by Wanda Sykes, resonated throughout every speech: ‘When women thrive, the community thrives.’ This sentiment, far from a modern revelation, reflects a truth that has shaped Hollywood’s narrative for generations. From pioneering actresses and directors in classic cinema who fought for representation to today’s stars leveraging their platforms, the collective power of women continually pushes boundaries and inspires change. This event served as a vibrant reminder that the work extends beyond the screen, touching the lives of many.
The night commenced with spirited remarks from host Iliza Shlesinger, followed by insights from Variety co-editors-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh, and outgoing publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, setting the stage for an evening of both celebration and advocacy, as reported by AOL.com.
Jamie Lee Curtis: A Legacy of Advocacy for Children’s Health
Jamie Lee Curtis, an icon celebrated for her diverse roles from horror to comedy, delivered the night’s poignant closing speech, highlighting her profound commitment to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Curtis passionately spoke about the critical challenges facing the hospital, particularly the impact of funding cuts and the fear of ICE raids on vulnerable patient families. “The power of women is in every single woman who works at that hospital,” Curtis stated, acknowledging the nurses, child-life specialists, doctors, and mothers who tirelessly support these children. Her address underscored how governmental actions directly affect the most fragile members of the community, emphasizing the urgent need for support for organizations like CHLA. Her long-standing career in film often showcases strong female characters, a theme that seamlessly extends to her powerful advocacy off-screen.
Kate Hudson: Storytelling as a Force for Good
Introduced by her friend Octavia Spencer, Kate Hudson shared a deeply personal reflection on motherhood and the transformative power of storytelling. Referencing her seven-year-old daughter, Roni, Hudson emphasized the importance of fostering imagination and ensuring every child has the chance to realize their potential. “If I have any power at all, I must do what I can to help,” she affirmed. Hudson articulated how the entertainment industry provides a unique platform to make people “feel seen” and to remind them they are not alone. She stressed that the impact of their work must continue purposefully even after the cameras stop rolling, focusing on the human connections and shared goodness that truly define power.
Sydney Sweeney: Embracing the Fight Within
Sydney Sweeney, introduced by the legendary Sharon Stone, centered her speech on the indomitable spirit of boxing champion Christy Martin, whom Sweeney is set to portray in an upcoming film. Sweeney drew parallels between Martin’s boxing career and the personal battles many women face, sharing, “I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself.” Her message resonated with the idea that strength isn’t always overt but often lies in persistent resilience—getting back up repeatedly, regardless of external judgment. Sweeney’s rising career embodies the new generation of women in Hollywood who are defining their own paths.
Wanda Sykes: Championing Single Mothers and Community Welfare
Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes, introduced by the iconic Jane Fonda, delivered a politically charged and deeply empathetic speech. Sykes specifically called out the pending expiration of SNAP benefits amidst a government shutdown, highlighting the severe repercussions this would have on single mothers and their families. Reaffirming the night’s central theme, she asserted, “When you get women, when we win, everybody wins.” Sykes urged for projects that translate art into real-world impact, emphasizing the crucial need to uplift and support those most vulnerable in the community. Her words served as a powerful reminder of the intersection between entertainment, advocacy, and social responsibility.
Nicole Scherzinger: Redefining Possibility Through the Special Olympics
Presented by Eva Longoria, Nicole Scherzinger used her moment to champion her work with the Special Olympics. She recounted her experiences performing at the organization’s ceremonies, moved by the “determination and spirit” of the athletes. Scherzinger spoke to how these athletes not only redefine what’s possible for themselves but inspire everyone around them, showcasing that courage is measured by “the bold willingness to show up with your whole heart.” Her speech powerfully advocated for shared power, emphasizing that true influence is used to lift others, igniting passion and potential in those around us.
Aly Raisman: Giving Voice to the Silenced
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman received the prestigious Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina and introduced by her teammate Jordan Chiles. Raisman delivered a raw and emotional speech, dedicating her recognition to the “millions who suffer in abusive relationships in silence, afraid for their lives.” She spoke movingly about individuals who have never been told their voices matter, their bodies are their own, or who feel unsafe at home with nowhere to turn. Raisman’s courage in using her platform to speak on such sensitive and vital issues amplified the event’s commitment to supporting the vulnerable and fostering a culture of safety and respect, a sentiment broadly echoed in the entertainment industry’s ongoing discussions about well-being, as noted by Variety.
A Lasting Call to Growth and Giving Back
The evening culminated with Jamie Lee Curtis’s return to the stage, introduced by Suzanne Yankovic, to deliver a closing quote that encapsulated the spirit of the event: “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.” This profound sentiment, which Curtis noted hangs on a tile in her kitchen, served as a powerful final thought, reminding attendees and audiences alike of the continuous cycle of personal development leading to impactful communal contribution. The 2025 Power of Women event reinforced that the strength of women in entertainment not only illuminates the screen but also sparks tangible, positive change in the world.
