Jamie Lee Curtis, Sydney Sweeney, and Wanda Sykes Honored at Variety’s Power of Women Event

The Night of Impact and Influence: Celebrating Variety’s Power of Women 2025

The entertainment industry gathered in Los Angeles for the annual Variety Power of Women event, presented by Lifetime, celebrating five influential figures whose work extends far beyond the screen. The evening was dedicated to the powerful synergy between celebrity influence and dedicated philanthropy, underscoring the theme: “When women thrive, the community thrives.”

This year’s honorees—Jamie Lee Curtis, Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, and Wanda Sykes—were recognized not just for their professional achievements, but for their profound commitment to causes ranging from children’s health and mental wellness to reproductive rights and support for veterans.

The ceremony, hosted by the incomparable Emmy winner Sheryl Lee Ralph, served as a critical reminder of the responsibility and opportunity that comes with visibility, focusing the spotlight on tangible, positive change.

Honoring Philanthropy: The Five Pillars of Power

The core of the Power of Women initiative lies in recognizing women who leverage their platforms to drive significant social impact. Each honoree delivered a powerful, deeply personal speech, connecting their chosen charity to their own life experiences.

Jamie Lee Curtis: Championing Children’s Health

Veteran actress and Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis was honored for her tireless dedication to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Presented by longtime friend and colleague Michelle Pfeiffer, Curtis’s acceptance speech focused on the profound importance of community support for vulnerable children.

Curtis emphasized that the hospital is not just a place of healing, but a sanctuary built by collective goodwill. She passionately articulated the need for sustained, local engagement, stating that the health and future of children depend on the community’s active participation.

“The greatest gift we can give is the gift of time and attention to those who need it most. CHLA represents the best of what happens when a community decides that its children are its priority,” Curtis remarked.

Sydney Sweeney: Supporting First Responders and Veterans

Rising star Sydney Sweeney was celebrated for establishing the Sweeney Family Foundation. This organization is dedicated to providing financial grants and support to first responders, military veterans, and their families. Sweeney’s commitment is deeply personal, stemming from her family’s own military background.

Presented by her Anyone But You co-star Glen Powell, Sweeney spoke movingly about the sacrifices made by those who serve and the necessity of ensuring they receive adequate support upon returning home or facing crises.

She highlighted the often-overlooked mental and financial burdens carried by these essential workers and their families, stressing that the foundation aims to bridge the gap between service and civilian life.

Kate Hudson: Promoting Emotional Literacy for Youth

Actress and entrepreneur Kate Hudson received recognition for her work with MindUP, a program developed by The Goldie Hawn Foundation. MindUP focuses on integrating social and emotional learning into educational settings, teaching children essential skills for mental wellness and emotional regulation.

Mandy Moore presented the award, underscoring Hudson’s dedication to this crucial area. Hudson’s speech centered on the growing global mental health crisis among young people and the proactive steps required to address it.

She argued that providing children with the tools to understand and manage their emotions is as vital as teaching them math or reading, positioning emotional literacy as a core life skill for future success and resilience.

Nicole Scherzinger: Global Humanitarian Aid

Singer and performer Nicole Scherzinger was honored for her extensive work with the Global Gift Foundation. This international organization provides resources, aid, and support to vulnerable groups, including women, children, and families facing poverty, illness, or displacement across the globe.

Sharon Horgan presented the award, acknowledging Scherzinger’s commitment to using her global platform for humanitarian outreach. Scherzinger’s address focused on the power of collective action and the responsibility of those with means to help alleviate suffering worldwide.

She emphasized that even small, consistent efforts can create a ripple effect of positive change, urging the audience to look beyond their immediate communities and embrace global citizenship.

Wanda Sykes: Fighting for Reproductive Rights

Comedian and actress Wanda Sykes was recognized for her powerful advocacy on behalf of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Sykes has been a vocal champion for reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, and accessible healthcare for all.

In a highly charged and emotional moment, Sykes was presented the award by host Sheryl Lee Ralph. Sykes used her platform to deliver a clear, unwavering message about the ongoing political and legal battles surrounding women’s health.

“This is not just a political issue; it is a fundamental human right. We must continue to fight for the right to control our own bodies, because when women have autonomy, the entire community benefits,” Sykes stated, receiving a standing ovation.

The Industry’s Commitment to Change

The Power of Women event is more than just an awards ceremony; it is a declaration of Hollywood’s growing commitment to social responsibility. The selection of honorees reflects a diverse range of pressing issues facing society today, from localized medical needs to global human rights.

Sheryl Lee Ralph, serving as the evening’s host, masterfully guided the proceedings, weaving humor with poignant commentary on the state of women’s leadership. Her presence reinforced the message that women in entertainment are increasingly taking the lead in defining cultural conversations and driving philanthropic agendas.

The event’s sponsor, Lifetime, has long championed content focused on female narratives and empowerment, making them a natural partner for Variety’s initiative. Their continued support highlights the corporate commitment within the media landscape to elevate women’s voices and their charitable endeavors.

The Broader Context of Evolving Activism

What makes this year’s event particularly resonant is the shift toward highly specific, measurable philanthropic goals. Instead of broad charitable affiliation, each honoree is deeply embedded in the operational success and public awareness campaigns of their respective foundations. This demonstrates a maturation in celebrity activism, moving from passive endorsement to active, strategic leadership.

For instance, Sweeney’s focus on the often-underfunded area of first responder support, and Hudson’s dedication to evidence-based mental health programs like MindUP, show a strategic approach to filling critical gaps in social services.

Key Takeaways from the Power of Women Event

The 2025 Variety Power of Women event provided essential insights into the current landscape of female leadership and philanthropy in the entertainment sphere:

• Diverse Causes: The honorees championed a wide spectrum of issues, including children’s health (Jamie Lee Curtis), veteran support (Sydney Sweeney), mental wellness (Kate Hudson), global aid (Nicole Scherzinger), and reproductive rights (Wanda Sykes).
• Personal Connection: Speeches were marked by deep personal connections to the causes, lending authenticity and urgency to their calls for action.
• The Power of Platform: The event solidified the idea that high-profile women are using their visibility not just for career advancement, but as a mandatory tool for social advocacy.
• Community Focus: The overarching theme, “When women thrive, the community thrives,” emphasized that empowering women leads directly to stronger, healthier societies.

Conclusion: A Mandate for Continued Action

The Variety Power of Women event serves as an annual benchmark for female leadership and philanthropic impact within Hollywood. It is a powerful platform that validates the work of women who are not content with merely entertaining, but who are actively engaged in repairing and improving the world around them.

The speeches delivered by Jamie Lee Curtis, Wanda Sykes, and the other honorees were not just thank you notes; they were mandates for continued action, urging the industry and the public to recognize that true power is measured by the positive change one creates for others. As these women continue to leverage their influence, the focus remains firmly on the tangible, lasting impact they are making on communities both local and global.

What’s Next

The visibility generated by the Power of Women event typically results in increased funding and awareness for the featured organizations. Readers can expect to see the honorees continue their advocacy work throughout 2025, particularly as organizations like Planned Parenthood and the Sweeney Family Foundation navigate complex political and social landscapes requiring sustained public support and financial backing.