The Variety Power of Women 2025 event, presented by Lifetime at the Beverly Hills Hotel, was a night celebrating strength, compassion, and the impact of women in entertainment. Stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, Wanda Sykes, and Sydney Sweeney took center stage, each honored for their remarkable achievements and social contributions.
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Image source: Variety
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Image source: Variety
Hosted by Iliza Shlesinger, the event recognized women who continue to uplift others and use their platforms for change. While every honoree inspired in her own way, Sydney Sweeney’s heartfelt speech stood out as one of the evening’s most powerful moments.

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Image source: Variety
Introduced by the legendary Sharon Stone, Sydney reflected on her experience portraying boxing champion Christy Martin in her upcoming film Christy. Through her emotional words, she drew parallels between Christy’s resilience and her own journey as a woman striving for recognition in Hollywood.
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Image source: Variety
“I’m not a fighter in the ring, but I recognized something of myself in Christy,” Sweeney shared. “I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself. Every one of us has our own fight.”
Her speech emphasized that real strength lies in perseverance:
“Christy reminds us that strength doesn’t always look loud. Sometimes it’s just getting back up again and again, no matter who’s watching. Playing her taught me that surviving isn’t the end of the story — it’s the beginning of reclaiming it.”
Sydney Sweeney accepts her honor at Variety’s #PowerOfWomen event with a heartfelt speech reflecting on the meaning of womanhood. pic.twitter.com/FyaNxTIXp6
— Variety (@Variety) October 30, 2025
Gymnast Aly Raisman talks about using her platform to raise awareness for domestic abuse at Variety’s #PowerOfWomen event.
— Variety (@Variety) October 30, 2025
Variety Power of Women presented by @lifetimetv pic.twitter.com/eRNmuDeIpK
Throughout the evening, fellow honorees also shared powerful reflections:
Kate Hudson spoke about using her success to inspire children and nurture creativity.
Jamie Lee Curtis raised awareness for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the challenges it faces due to funding cuts.
Wanda Sykes delivered a passionate message about supporting single mothers affected by government policy changes.
Nicole Scherzinger highlighted the meaning of true power — using one’s influence to uplift others.
Together, these remarkable women embodied the event’s theme: “When women thrive, the community thrives.”
Sydney Sweeney on Jane Fonda attending Variety’s #PowerOfWomen event, saying she’s going to “ask her everything” about “Barbarella.” pic.twitter.com/FGlo8XtfbT
— Variety (@Variety) October 30, 2025