Inside Variety’s Power of Women 2025: How Hollywood’s Leading Ladies Are Rewriting the Rules of Influence
A Night Where Power Met Purpose
At the Beverly Hills Hotel this week, Variety’s Power of Women Los Angeles 2025 event was more than just another glamorous awards night — it was a masterclass in leadership, influence, and brand reinvention. Hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, the star-studded event celebrated five trailblazing honorees: Jamie Lee Curtis, Wanda Sykes, Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, and Nicole Scherzinger.
Each woman was recognised not just for her artistry but for her business acumen, the ability to turn celebrity into sustainable influence and advocacy into enterprise. According to analysis reviewed by CEO Today, Power of Women has become one of the few entertainment events where storytelling, commerce, and social impact intersect seamlessly.
“Visibility is no longer enough,” said media strategist Jessica Matthews, who attended the event. “What makes these women powerful is how they turn every platform into a strategy, and every message into a movement.”
Women Of Power event
Jamie Lee Curtis: Longevity as a Leadership Strategy
Jamie Lee Curtis, now one of Hollywood’s most respected veterans, used her acceptance speech to deliver a heartfelt message about legacy. Having transitioned from Halloween scream queen to Oscar-winning producer, Curtis spoke candidly about ownership and perseverance.
“The only thing more powerful than fame is freedom — and freedom comes from creating your own work,” Curtis told the audience, earning a standing ovation. Her production company has been lauded for backing projects that champion women and independent creators — a model that positions her as both artist and entrepreneur.
Curtis’s appearance follows her recent headline-making speech about the responsibility of fame — a moment that sparked renewed attention to how female talent in Hollywood are shaping business models around storytelling, not just stardom.
Wanda Sykes: Turning Influence Into Inclusion
Comedian and producer Wanda Sykes didn’t mince words. “I prefer hiring women over men,” she said in her speech, a bold statement that immediately dominated headlines. Sykes, 61, explained that this wasn’t about exclusion but about empowerment — ensuring opportunity flows where it’s been long overdue.
Her remarks follow her viral commentary on gender equity in entertainment, a topic she’s long advocated for. Sykes’ transition from performer to producer has been nothing short of transformative. Through her production company Push It Productions, she’s creating inclusive, profitable, and high-impact content across television and streaming platforms.
Sykes’ net worth, estimated at over $10 million, has been built through decades of stand-up specials, acting roles, and executive producer credits. But more importantly, her influence now lies in decision-making — deciding who gets the spotlight next.
Wanda Sykes
Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson & Nicole Scherzinger: The New Faces of Female Enterprise
While Curtis and Sykes embody legacy and activism, the younger honorees brought fresh entrepreneurial energy to the evening.
Sydney Sweeney, fresh from producing multiple projects under her own banner, spoke about transforming her acting career into a multi-industry brand — from film to fashion to wellness. “I’m not just building characters anymore,” she told Variety. “I’m building companies.”
Kate Hudson, meanwhile, focused on her lifestyle empire, expanding her brand Fabletics and launching new global partnerships. Her message resonated with investors and fans alike: “Growth isn’t just about scale — it’s about soul.”
Nicole Scherzinger brought the room to its feet with a speech about resilience, reflecting on the pressures of public life and her decision to take control of her career narrative. Now balancing TV, stage, and product ventures, Scherzinger represents the modern multimedia mogul.
Sydney Sweeney
Why Power of Women Matters for the Business of Entertainment
For the entertainment industry, Power of Women isn’t simply an event — it’s a blueprint for transformation. It’s where major studios, investors, and brand executives gather to identify the next wave of talent shaping not only what audiences watch but what they buy, believe, and support.
The event’s timing also coincides with a broader cultural shift: the rise of women in leadership roles across Hollywood’s most profitable franchises and studios. This year’s honorees symbolize an era in which female visibility translates directly into market influence — and measurable business results.
“Women like these don’t just break glass ceilings,” said Variety Editor-in-Chief Ramin Setoodeh. “They replace them with open skylights.”
Beyond the Red Carpet: What’s Next
The 2025 Power of Women event underscored one key takeaway — the future of entertainment belongs to those who can merge creativity with commerce. As Jamie Lee Curtis, Wanda Sykes, and their fellow honorees continue to redefine what leadership looks like in Hollywood, their stories serve as a playbook for balancing purpose and profit.
And for business leaders watching from the sidelines, this wasn’t just an awards night — it was a wake-up call. Influence, after all, is the new currency.
FAQ — Variety Power of Women 2025
What is the Variety Power of Women event?
An annual celebration hosted by Variety that honors influential women in entertainment who are driving cultural and business change.
Who were the 2025 honorees?
Jamie Lee Curtis, Wanda Sykes, Kate Hudson, Sydney Sweeney, and Nicole Scherzinger.
Why is the event important?
It blends advocacy with enterprise, bringing together creators, brands, and industry leaders to discuss the evolving role of women in business and entertainment.
