Jamie Lee Curtis and Sydney Sweeney Champion resilience and Empowerment at 2023 Variety Power of Women Event
Los Angeles – Jamie Lee Curtis and Sydney Sweeney were among the honorees celebrated at Variety’s annual Power of Women event held Thursday evening, where they and fellow awardees spotlighted themes of overcoming adversity, advocating for vulnerable populations, and the strength found in collective female empowerment.
Sweeney, recognized for her work with the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), delivered a moving tribute to Christy, a survivor whose story deeply resonated with her. “I’ve had a chance to define myself.I know what it feels like to have to prove that you deserve to be here, to be seen, to be taken seriously. Every one of us has our own fight,” Sweeney shared. “And Christy reminds us all 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.”
Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman received the variety Courage Award,presented by Purina,and used her platform to address the pervasive issue of abuse. introduced by teammate Jordan Chiles, Raisman spoke directly to those suffering in silence. “Standing up here, I’m thinking about the millions who suffer in abusive relationships in silence, afraid for their lives,” she said.”I’m thinking about those who’ve never been told they matter; that their voices matter; that their bodies are their own. I’m thinking about those who don’t feel safe at home, and who feel there’s nowhere to go.”
Comedian Wanda Sykes, introduced by Jane Fonda, focused her acceptance speech on the potential impact of expiring SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, specifically on single mothers. “When women thrive, the community thrives. We make everyone around us better, we do,” Sykes stated. “When you get women, when we win, everybody wins. When men win, sometimes they get a younger wife. … We’re at a moment in time where, with everything that’s going on the government, where we need to create projects where life imitates art. Look at what’s happening with cutting SNAP benefits. That’s going to affect single mothers. And so I want to do things that speak to them and uplift them.”
Nicole Scherzinger was honored with a presentation by Eva Longoria and dedicated her remarks to her work with the Special Olympics. “I’ve performed at the openings and closings of ceremonies surrounded by these athletes whose determination and spirit could move mountains,” Scherzinger said. “I’ve watched them redefine what’s possible, not just for themselves, but for all of us. They remind me that courage isn’t measured by medals or applause, but by the bold willingness to show up with your whole heart. Power of women is not just about success or recognition – it’s about how we use our voices, our platforms and our influence to lift others. True power is shared and ignites others.”
The evening concluded with Jamie Lee Curtis’s speech, introduced by Suzanne Yankovic, where she shared a guiding principle from 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.”
