Jamie Lee Curtis and Sydney Sweeney Champion resilience and Empowerment at 2023 Variety Power of Women Event
Los โฃAngeles – Jamie Lee Curtis and โSydney 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,โ advocating forโ vulnerable populations,โ and the strength found in collective female empowerment.
Sweeney, recognized for her work with the Rape, โAbuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), delivered a moving tribute to Christy, a survivor whoseโ 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. Everyโ one of us has our own fight,” Sweeney shared. “And Christy reminds us all that strength doesn’t always look loud; sometimes it’sโ 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 โAly Raisman received the variety Courage Award,presented by Purina,and used her platform to address the pervasive issue โof abuse. introduced byโข teammate Jordan โChiles, Raisman spoke directly to those suffering in silence.โ “Standing up here, โI’m thinking about the millionsโ who suffer in abusive relationships in silence, afraid for their lives,” she said.”I’m thinking about those who’ve never been told theyโข matter; that their โฃvoices matter; that their bodies are their own. I’m thinking aboutโฃ those who don’t feel safe at home, and who feel there’s nowhere โขto go.”
Comedian Wanda Sykes, introduced by Jane Fonda, focused โฃher acceptance speech on the potential impact of expiring SNAP benefits during the government shutdown, specifically on single mothers. “When women thrive,โข the community thrives. We make everyone around us better, we do,” โขSykes stated. “When you get women, when we win, everybody โขwins. When men win, sometimes they โget a younger wife. โโฆ We’re at a moment in โtime where, with everything that’s going on the government, where weโค need to create projects where life imitates art. Look at what’s happening with cutting SNAP benefits. That’s going to affect โsingle mothers. And so I want to do โthings that speak to them and uplift โthem.”
Nicole Scherzinger was honored with a presentation by Eva Longoria and dedicated her remarks โขto her workโข with the Special Olympics. “I’ve performed at the openings and closings โฃof ceremonies surrounded by theseโค athletes whose determinationโ and spirit could move mountains,” Scherzinger said. “I’veโ watched them redefine what’s โpossible, not just for themselves, but for all of us.โฃ They remind me that courage isn’t measured by medals orโ applause, but by the bold willingness โคto show up with your wholeโ heart. Power of women is not just about success or recognition – it’s about how we use our voices, โour platformsโค and our influence to lift others. True power isโ 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 โคkitchen: โค”To liveโข is to learn. To learn is to know. To know is to โgrow. To grow is to give. To give is to live.”
