Variety has announced the honorees for its 2026 Power of Women celebration in Los Angeles, bringing together four prominent figures from entertainment and television whose careers and advocacy work have made a wider impact.
The 2026 honorees are Jennifer Hudson, Pearlena Igbokwe, Melissa McCarthy and Sharon Stone.
The annual event is being presented in partnership with Lifetime and is scheduled for Sept. 23 in Beverly Hills. The honorees will also appear on the cover of Variety’s Power of Women issue, which is set to be released on Sept. 17.
The event recognizes women whose influence extends beyond their individual entertainment careers, while Variety’s accompanying Women’s Impact Report highlights other leaders across the industry.
Jennifer Hudson recognized for entertainment career and foundation work
Jennifer Hudson is among this year’s honorees following a career that has included major achievements across music, film and television.
The Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner is also preparing for the return of “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” with its fifth season scheduled to premiere Sept. 14.
Hudson’s recognition also highlights her work through the Jennifer Hudson Foundation, which she is supporting as part of this year’s Power of Women honor.
Pearlena Igbokwe brings decades of television leadership
Television executive Pearlena Igbokwe is another member of the 2026 class.
Igbokwe has spent more than three decades working across several parts of the television business, including cable, broadcast, studios and streaming.
Her career has included identifying and developing major stories and talent while advocating for greater inclusion within the entertainment industry.
For this year’s recognition, Igbokwe is supporting A Better Chance.
Melissa McCarthy adds film and television star power
Actress, producer and writer Melissa McCarthy has also been selected for the Power of Women honor.
The Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated performer has built a career spanning television, comedy and dramatic films, making her one of Hollywood’s most recognizable performers.
McCarthy is scheduled to appear in Netflix’s upcoming “The Murder of JonBenét Ramsey.”
She is supporting the Joyful Heart Foundation through her Power of Women recognition.
Sharon Stone honored for entertainment and activism
Academy Award-nominated actress, producer and activist Sharon Stone completes this year’s four main honorees.
Stone has worked in film and television for more than four decades and has become known for taking on challenging roles throughout her career.
Her recent screen work includes HBO’s final season of “Euphoria.”
Beyond entertainment, Stone has also been involved in global activism. For her Power of Women honor, she is supporting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Paige DeSorbo to receive Variety Courage Award
The event will also recognize Paige DeSorbo, who will receive the Variety Courage Award, presented by Purina.
DeSorbo is known as a television personality, bestselling author and podcast host. The award recognizes her advocacy for survivors of abuse.
She previously discussed surviving an abusive relationship at 19 on her podcast and has subsequently used her public platform to encourage others who have experienced abuse.
When is the Variety Power of Women event?
The Variety Power of Women Los Angeles event is scheduled for Sept. 23, 2026, in Beverly Hills.
The accompanying Power of Women issue will be published on Sept. 17, with this year’s four main honorees featured on its cover.
The event will bring together entertainment-industry figures while highlighting women whose professional achievements and advocacy work have extended beyond Hollywood.
