‘When Women Thrive, the Community Thrives’: Inside Variety’s Power of Women Event Featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, Sydney Sweeney, Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes recently spoke at Variety's Power of Women event in Los Angeles, where she expressed her strong preference for hiring women, particularly Black women, in her production work. This statement not only highlights her commitment to gender and racial equality in the entertainment industry but also encourages other producers to consider diverse talent. Sykes' advocacy for women in leadership roles is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive environment in Hollywood.

Aly Raisman, the celebrated gymnast with multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, recently accepted the Variety Courage Award at the L.A. Power of Women event. In her heartfelt speech, she emphasized the importance of community and the uplifting power of people and pets, reminding us that hope flourishes when we come together. This recognition not only honors her achievements but also highlights the vital role of support systems in overcoming challenges, making it a significant moment for both Raisman and her audience.

Sharon Stone recently defended Sydney Sweeney at Variety's Power of Women LA event, where she presented an honor to Sweeney amidst controversy over her American Eagle ad. Stone emphasized the importance of embracing one's natural beauty, stating, 'It’s okay to use what your mama gave you.' This support highlights the ongoing conversation about body positivity and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry, making it a significant moment for both actresses and their fans.

Sydney Sweeney is feeling a mix of emotions as she prepares to wrap up filming for 'Euphoria' Season 3, describing the experience as 'bittersweet.' Honored at Variety's 2025 Power of Women ceremony in Los Angeles, Sweeney reflects on how the show has shaped her twenties. This moment is significant not just for her career but also for fans who have followed her journey and the impact of the series on pop culture.

In today's episode, Variety's Haley Kluge and Jennifer Dorn share insights into the creative process behind the stunning visuals of the Power of Women series, highlighting the importance of representation in media. Additionally, Marc Malkin provides exciting updates on Season 2 of 'The Pitt,' featuring stars Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa. This discussion not only showcases the talent of women in the industry but also keeps fans engaged with the latest developments in their favorite shows.

Christy Martin is a legendary boxer whose inspiring life story is set to be portrayed in the upcoming film 'Christy,' starring Sydney Sweeney. This film not only highlights Martin's groundbreaking achievements in a male-dominated sport but also serves as a reminder of the challenges she overcame. Her journey is significant as it paves the way for future generations of female athletes, showcasing the importance of representation in sports and media.

Aly Raisman, the Olympic gold medalist gymnast, is being honored with the Purina Purple Leash Project Award at Variety's Power of Women event for her advocacy work supporting survivors of abuse and their pets. This recognition highlights the importance of community in healing and the unique bond between survivors and their animals. Raisman's journey from a champion athlete to a vocal advocate underscores the need for awareness and support for those affected by trauma, making her message resonate even more in today's society.

Kate Hudson recently shared her emotional experience watching her new film 'Song Sung Blue' alongside her mother, Goldie Hawn, and her partner, Kurt Russell. This film marks a significant role for Hudson, reminiscent of her iconic character Penny Lane. She emphasizes that while Oscar buzz is exciting, it doesn't define her worth as an actress. This perspective highlights her growth and commitment to her craft, making her journey relatable and inspiring for many.

FilmSharks has made a significant move by acquiring the world sales rights to 'The Convent,' a film that explores a unique and dark narrative set in a convent in southern Spain. This acquisition highlights the growing interest in unconventional stories within the film industry, and it could pave the way for more innovative projects to gain international attention. Additionally, the news of 'Guns & Moses' being released in the U.S. and the Canadian indie feature 'Nobody Sees Me Like You Do' adds to the excitement, showcasing a diverse range of films that are capturing audiences' imaginations.

Comcast has reported a strong quarterly performance, surpassing Wall Street expectations, largely driven by a 19% revenue growth in its Theme Parks division, thanks to the success of Epic Universe. Despite tough comparisons to last year's Paris Olympics, the company has shown resilience with steady advertising revenue from Peacock and a reduction in domestic broadband losses, alongside an increase in wireless customers. This positive trend highlights Comcast's ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive market, making it a significant player in the entertainment and telecommunications sectors.

Fox Corp. has exceeded Wall Street's expectations in its fiscal first quarter, reporting adjusted earnings per share of $1.51 and total revenue of $3.7 billion, surpassing analysts' predictions of $1.06 per share and $3.58 billion in revenue. This strong performance is particularly noteworthy given the sluggish growth in the advertising sector, which is crucial for the company's overall success. This news is significant as it highlights Fox's resilience and ability to perform well even in challenging market conditions.

Fox Corporation reported a 5% increase in revenue for its first fiscal quarter, amounting to $174 million, driven by higher cash from advertising and distribution. However, the company's profit took a hit due to rising operating expenses, resulting in a net income of $599 million for shareholders. This news highlights the ongoing challenges companies face in balancing revenue growth with increasing costs, a situation that could impact future financial strategies.

Nexstar Media Group has announced the extension of CEO Perry Sook's contract until 2029, a move that reflects confidence in his leadership as the company aims for further growth. With over 200 stations across 116 markets, Sook's continued guidance is crucial as Nexstar seeks to expand its influence in the broadcasting industry. This decision not only secures stability at the top but also signals Nexstar's ambition to enhance its market presence, which is significant for both investors and viewers.

The acclaimed Bulgarian directing duo Kristina Grozeva and Petar Valchanov are set to release their latest film, 'Black Money for White Nights,' which explores the absurdities of life in post-communist Bulgaria through the story of a couple who fall victim to a travel scam. This film, currently in post-production, promises to be a tragicomic reflection on moral erosion, making it a significant addition to contemporary cinema. Its presentation at the Thessaloniki Works in Progress program highlights its importance in addressing societal issues while entertaining audiences.