Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Scherzinger, and Jamie Lee Curtis Honored at Variety Power of Women 2025
The Variety Power of Women 2025 event, presented by Lifetime, brought together an impressive lineup of trailblazers in film, television, and entertainment. Held Wednesday night at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the star-studded evening celebrated Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Scherzinger, and Jamie Lee Curtis for their remarkable contributions and advocacy. Comedian Iliza Shlesinger hosted the event, which spotlighted women making a lasting impact across industries.
Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, Wanda Sykes, Nicole Scherzinger, and Jamie Lee Curtis were celebrated at Variety Power of Women in Los Angeles.
Michael Buckner
Variety co-editors-in-chief Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh opened the ceremony alongside outgoing publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns, setting the tone for a night dedicated to leadership, courage, and philanthropy.
Octavia Spencer introduced Kate Hudson, who spoke about motherhood and the importance of storytelling as a force for empathy and connection. “As a mother of three, I feel this every day,” Hudson said. “If I have reached and have any power at all, I must do what I can to help.” Her heartfelt message focused on the responsibility of using influence to uplift others beyond the spotlight.
Sydney Sweeney, introduced by Sharon Stone, took the stage to discuss her role in the upcoming biopic Christy, based on boxing champion Christy Martin. She reflected on the challenges of being underestimated and finding strength through perseverance. “Every one of us has our own fight,” Sweeney shared. “Playing Christy taught me that surviving isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning of reclaiming it.”
Aly Raisman received the Variety Courage Award presented by Purina, introduced by Olympic teammate Jordan Chiles. Raisman’s speech addressed the silent struggles of those in abusive relationships and the importance of empowerment and safety. “I’m thinking about those who’ve never been told they matter,” she said, urging awareness and support for survivors.
Wanda Sykes, honored by Jane Fonda, used her platform to highlight the real-world effects of the potential SNAP benefits cuts amid government uncertainty. She detailed community strength and the vital role women play in driving societal progress. “When women thrive, the community thrives,” Sykes declared.
Nicole Scherzinger, presented her honor by Eva Longoria, paid tribute to the Special Olympics and the athletes who inspire her. “They remind me that courage isn’t measured by medals or applause,” Scherzinger said. “Power of women is about how we use our voices and influence to lift others.”
Jamie Lee Curtis concluded the evening with a passionate message supporting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she raised awareness about the challenges patients face due to immigration fears and funding cuts. “The power of women is in every single woman who works at that hospital,” Curtis said. Her closing words echoed the spirit of giving and growth, quoting a tile in her 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.”
