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Variety has announced the presenters for this year’s Power of Women event on Wednesday, Sept. 23 in Beverly Hills. The event, in partnership with Lifetime, celebrates the Power of Women honorees, who will each appear
on the cover of the issue, as well as the accomplished women profiled in the annual Women’s Impact Report, which highlights leaders in the entertainment industry.
Presenters for the event include highly esteemed entertainment industry leader and previous Power of Women honoree Channing Dungey, who serves as Chairman and CEO of the Warner Bros. Television Group and Warner Bros. Discovery’s US Networks (presenting to honoree Jennifer Hudson); Academy Award-nominated, Emmy Award-winning, Grammy Award-winning and Golden Globe-winning actress, musician, producer and entrepreneur Queen Latifah (presenting to Pearlena Igbokwe); SAG and Golden Globe-nominated actress, producer, and four-time New York Times bestselling author Lauren Graham (presenting to Melissa McCarthy); Acclaimed comedian, actor and legendary podcaster Marc Maron (presenting to Sharon Stone).
This year’s Power of Women honorees include Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award winning artist, actor and television host Jennifer Hudson, supporting The Jennifer Hudson Foundation; trailblazing executive Pearlena Igbokwe, supporting A Better Chance; Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and writer Melissa McCarthy, supporting the Joyful Heart Foundation; Academy Award-nominated, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress, producer, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Summit Award for her global activism, Sharon Stone, supporting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Variety will also honor TV personality, bestselling author and podcast host Paige DeSorbo with the Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina, which recognizes her powerful advocacy for survivors of abuse. In 2024, DeSorbo opened up on her podcast about surviving an abusive relationship at 19 — an experience she’d kept private for over a decade — and has since used her platform to remind others they are not alone. Through her relationship with her cat, Daphne, DeSorbo illustrates the powerful role pets can play in helping survivors feel safe, supported and loved. The recognition ties closely to the Purple Leash Project, a partnership with Purina and nonprofit RedRover that works together to support domestic violence survivors on both ends of the leash by helping create more safe spaces for survivors and their pets. Actress, podcast host and founder of YISE Beauty Molly Sims will present to DeSorbo.
Emmy Award-nominated actress, writer, producer and entrepreneur Issa Rae will receive the Variety Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by U.S. Bank senior executive vice president Courtney Kelso, recognizing Rae’s impact as both a leader in entertainment and a successful entrepreneur.
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” will receive the Variety Changemaker Award presented by Waymo, in recognition of the show’s powerful use of its platform to amplify diverse voices, spotlight inspiring stories and foster meaningful conversations. The award, to be presented by Waymo CMO Suzanne Philion, highlights a shared focus on human well-being that anchors Waymo’s “Because” initiative. Just as the show creates authentic moments that uplift audiences, the “Because” initiative reflects the company’s efforts to improve road safety and mobility, driven by the humans who inspire and drive us. As part of this commitment, the initiative also addresses the mental toll of constant vigilance that riders, particularly women, experience while traveling, recognizing how autonomous transportation can provide a more secure and empowering way to navigate the world.
Multiplatinum recording artist, actress and philanthropist Normani, whose boundary-pushing artistry has established her as one of the most exciting voices in the industry, will perform.
The event will be hosted by actress, comedian, writer and author Iliza Shlesinger, who stars in the film “Chasing Summer,” which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
Lifetime is the Presenting Partner of the event. Purina and U.S. Bank are the Premier Partners of the event. Waymo, the leading autonomous vehicle technology company, is the Official Innovation Partner.
Exclusive curated gift bags will be given to honorees and guests at the event with entertainment, beauty, health and fashion products from companies including BÉIS, YISE Beauty, Goop, Voluspa, Milk Makeup, OSEA, Tarte Cosmetics, ILIA and more.
