Variety is pleased to announce the honorees for their upcoming Power of Women issue on Thursday, Sept. 17, with the event the following 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.

This year’s Power of Women honorees include Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson, whose powerhouse vocals and commanding performances have made her one of the entertainment industry’s most celebrated talents. As she gears up for the Sept. 14 premiere of the fifth season of 18-time Emmy-nominated “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” she is supporting the Jennifer Hudson Foundation. Honoree Pearlena Igbokwe has spent more than 35 years helping shape the medium of television across prestige cable, broadcast, studios, and now streaming, earning a reputation as one of its most influential leaders through her ability to identify culture-defining stories, champion talent, and advance a more inclusive industry. She is supporting A Better Chance. Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress, producer, and writer Melissa McCarthy also made this year’s Power of Women list. Her acclaimed work across television, blockbuster comedies and dramatic films has established her as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers and she will next star in Netflix’s upcoming “The Murder of JonBenĂ©t Ramsey.” She is supporting the Joyful Heart Foundation. The final honoree is Academy Award-nominated, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress, producer, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Summit Award for her global activism, Sharon Stone, who was most recently seen in HBO’s final season of “Euphoria,” has spent more than four decades portraying complex and unforgettable characters, challenging industry expectations and cementing her status as one of the world’s most influential actors. She is 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. Nearly half (48%) of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving abuse because they cannot take their pet with them, yet only 20% of domestic violence shelters nationwide currently accept pets. Together, Purina and RedRover are working toward providing one million safe nights for domestic abuse survivors and their pets by the end of 2030, to make sure they can stay together and heal together. Since 2019, they have awarded more than $2 million in grants to advance pet-friendly shelter access, so survivors don’t have to choose between their safety and the pets they love.

The event will be hosted by actress, comedian, writer and author Iliza Shlesinger, who stars in the film “Chasing Summer,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

“As the founding presenting partner of Variety‘s Power of Women, we’re honored to join Variety once again in celebrating the extraordinary women shaping our industry, the impact they make both on and off screen, and the causes closest to their hearts,” said Paul Buccieri, President & Chairman, A+E Global Media. “Lifetime has spent more than four decades championing women and their stories, and this year’s honorees reflect that spirit. They each embody the courage and purpose that define true leadership.”

“Variety Power of Women is one of our most meaningful celebrations, honoring the extraordinary women who are using their voices, creativity and influence to create meaningful change,” said Variety Co-President and Publisher Dea Lawrence. “We are proud to recognize this remarkable group of women and to continue our valued partnership with Lifetime in elevating their stories and amplifying their impact. This year’s honorees embody the courage, vision and determination it takes to challenge convention, open doors and create new opportunities for women. Their leadership is not only shaping our industry today — it is empowering the next generation of storytellers, innovators and leaders to see what is possible and know they have a place at the table.”

Lifetime is the Presenting Partner of the event, and Purina is the Premier Partner 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.Â