The Beverly Hills Hotel glittered on October 29, 2025, as Variety hosted its annual Power of Women event, presented by Lifetime. This prestigious Los Angeles gala celebrated an exceptional cohort of entertainment leaders. Stars like Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Wanda Sykes converged, not just for stunning red carpet moments, but to amplify vital causes and redefine what “power” truly means. This year’s event deeply explored themes of advocacy, resilience, and collective impact, proving that Hollywood’s influence extends far beyond the screen.
Empowering Voices: Honorees Championing Crucial Causes
The heart of the Variety Power of Women 2025 event lay in its honorees, each using their platform to champion significant philanthropic initiatives. Hosted by the dynamic Iliza Shlesinger, the evening provided a powerful stage for these women to inspire change and shed light on pressing societal issues. Their speeches resonated, offering profound insights into leveraging influence for the greater good.
Jamie Lee Curtis: Advocating for Children’s Health
Oscar and Emmy Award-winner Jamie Lee Curtis, the night’s closer, delivered a heartfelt plea for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. She underscored the critical funding cuts threatening the institution, highlighting severe impacts, including fear of ICE raids preventing families from seeking essential medical care. Curtis passionately declared, “the power of women is in every single woman who works at that hospital.” Her words celebrated the daily dedication of nurses, doctors, child-life specialists, and mothers. Curtis’s support for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles underscores the vital connection between celebrity advocacy and community well-being.
Kate Hudson: Storytelling for Connection
Introduced by Octavia Spencer, Academy Award-nominated Kate Hudson spoke movingly about motherhood. She shared her desire to empower children, specifically her daughter Roni, to embrace their inherent power. Hudson emphasized the entertainment industry’s profound responsibility to reflect truths. She believes storytelling should foster curiosity, make people feel seen, and remind them they are not alone. Hudson asserted that true power continues “purposefully and practically” beyond the camera’s gaze, rooted in “goodness” and genuine human connection. Her advocacy extends to the World Food Programme (WFP), highlighting global humanitarian needs.
Sydney Sweeney: The Fight for Self-Worth
Emmy-nominated actress and producer Sydney Sweeney, introduced by Sharon Stone, drew powerful parallels. She connected her own journey with that of boxing champ Christy Martin, whom she is set to portray. Sweeney articulated feeling underestimated and the constant need to prove her worth. “Every one of us has our own fight,” she stated, offering a universal message of resilience. Her insight, “strength doesn’t always look loud; sometimes it’s just getting back up, again and again,” resonated deeply. Sweeney champions the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence, using her voice to support survivors.
Aly Raisman: Courage in Healing
Olympic gymnast and activist Aly Raisman received the prestigious Variety Courage Award, sponsored by Purina. Introduced by teammate Jordan Chiles, Raisman’s speech bravely addressed survivors of abusive relationships. She spoke directly to those who feel unheard or unsafe. Her powerful message validated these difficult experiences and empowered vulnerable voices. This recognition highlighted Purina’s Purple Leash Project. This initiative aims to increase pet-friendly domestic violence shelters, ensuring survivors don’t choose between their safety and their beloved pets.
Wanda Sykes: Upholding Community Welfare
Emmy Award-winning comedian Wanda Sykes, introduced by the legendary Jane Fonda, focused on critical government issues. She specifically highlighted the looming expiration of SNAP benefits amidst a government shutdown. Sykes powerfully articulated the potential devastation for single mothers. “When women thrive, the community thrives. We make everyone around us better,” she declared. She called for projects where “life imitates art” to uplift and support these communities, aligning with her support for the Ruth Ellis Center.
Nicole Scherzinger: Redefining Possibilities
Tony Award-winning Nicole Scherzinger, presented by Eva Longoria, passionately championed her work with the Special Olympics. She shared profound experiences performing at their ceremonies. Scherzinger was deeply moved by the athletes’ “determination and spirit” that “could move mountains.” She emphasized that these athletes “redefine what’s possible,” teaching her that courage is not measured by external recognition. Instead, it is the “bold willingness to show up with your whole heart.” She concluded that the true power of women lies in using voices and platforms to “lift others.”
Red Carpet Radiance: Fashion as a Statement
Beyond the inspiring speeches, the Variety Power of Women 2025 gala was a showcase of sophisticated style. The red carpet, a crucial stage for fashion, featured a stunning array of designer ensembles. Celebrities skillfully blended elegance with individual flair, creating memorable looks that captured headlines.
Standout Styles and Designer Highlights
Sydney Sweeney commanded attention in a slinky, all-over crystal silver Christian Cowan gown from the spring 2026 collection. Curated by stylist Molly Dickson, the dress featured a rounded neckline and subtly draped sleeves, creating a striking silhouette. Her choice, often described as a “naked dress,” was a bold statement of confidence and self-expression.
Kate Hudson opted for Grecian elegance in a white Carolina Herrera dress by Wes Gordon. Its asymmetrical design and flowing draped cape conveyed timeless sophistication. She complemented her minimalist look with exquisite Emily P. Wheeler jewelry.
Jane Fonda showcased her classic style with black trousers paired with an all-over sequin jacket, adding a touch of sparkle to her monochrome ensemble. Meanwhile, Eva Longoria brought a sensual spin to tailoring. She wore an oversized, single-breasted blazer in all black, complemented by sharp lapels and striking diamond accessories. Nicole Scherzinger introduced theatricality with an asymmetrical aubergine dress featuring an off-the-shoulder strap and a daring thigh-high slit. Other notable attendees included Malin Akerman in a burnt orange leather dress and Brenda Song in a chic ultramarine linen power suit. These fashion choices reinforced the confidence and diversity of power present at the event.
The Collective Impact of Women’s Power
Variety CEO Michelle Sobrino-Stearns aptly described the Power of Women event. It’s a “seminal event that celebrates entertainment leaders whose actions and voices inspire crucial change.” The 2025 gala powerfully underscored this mission. The honorees, through their stories and advocacy, illustrated the multifaceted nature of women’s influence. It’s about resilience in the face of adversity, empathetic leadership, and leveraging collective strength.
This event transcends mere celebrity recognition. It serves as a vital reminder that true power is collaborative and inclusive. The messages shared—from fighting for children’s hospitals to empowering abuse survivors and advocating for community welfare—highlight a shared commitment. This commitment is to shape a more equitable and compassionate world. The event’s partners, including Lifetime, Purina, and Mattel, play a crucial role in amplifying these messages. They help ensure the impact of these powerful women resonates widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main themes and honorees celebrated at Variety’s Power of Women 2025?
Variety’s Power of Women 2025 gala, held in Los Angeles, celebrated the achievements and advocacy of prominent women in entertainment. The main themes revolved around using influence for social good, promoting resilience, and advocating for diverse causes. This year’s honorees included Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, Wanda Sykes, and Nicole Scherzinger, with Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman receiving the Courage Award. The event emphasized how these leaders leverage their platforms to drive crucial change and empower communities.
Which specific causes did the honorees advocate for at the Power of Women event?
Each honoree at Variety’s Power of Women 2025 championed a distinct and impactful cause. Jamie Lee Curtis advocated for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, highlighting critical funding needs. Kate Hudson supported the World Food Programme (WFP), focusing on global hunger and storytelling. Sydney Sweeney championed the National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence. Wanda Sykes raised awareness for the Ruth Ellis Center and issues like SNAP benefits. Nicole Scherzinger passionately spoke about the Special Olympics. Aly Raisman’s Courage Award recognized her advocacy for survivors of abuse through Purina’s Purple Leash Project.
How did the fashion choices at Variety’s Power of Women 2025 reflect themes of empowerment?
The fashion at Variety’s Power of Women 2025 was a powerful extension of the event’s empowerment themes. Celebrities showcased styles that embodied confidence, individuality, and sophistication. Sydney Sweeney’s bold Christian Cowan gown, Kate Hudson’s elegant Carolina Herrera dress, and Jane Fonda’s sparkling sequin jacket all demonstrated how attire can make a statement. From strong tailoring to flowing, confident silhouettes, the fashion choices highlighted women’s diverse expressions of strength and personal style, reinforcing their presence and authority on the red carpet.
Celebrating Impact and Inspiring Future Generations
The Variety Power of Women 2025 gala stands as a testament to the enduring influence and dedication of women in entertainment. From the compelling advocacy for vital causes to the striking red-carpet fashion, the event was a powerful blend of glamour and purpose. The honorees’ messages of resilience, empathy, and collective action offer profound inspiration. They remind us that the true power of women lies in their ability to uplift, inspire, and drive meaningful change in the world. As these extraordinary women continue to lead, they pave the way for future generations. They demonstrate that genuine impact is achieved through unwavering commitment to one another and to the causes that matter most.
