Variety“Power of Women”活动设计解析：以“运动”为主题致敬获奖女性

4 Min Read

Jennifer Hudson performed “I Will Always Love You” to open the evening.Photo: Scott Clark

LOS ANGELES—Interpreting an abstract concept into a concrete design scheme can be a tricky task for event producers. Variety’s Power of Women event, held on Sept. 23 at The Beverly Hills Hotel, accomplished that, capturing the spirit of the celebration in a unique way.

Launched in 2009, in conjunction with Variety’s annual Women’s Impact Report, Power of Women recognizes leading women in entertainment, alongside the philanthropic organizations to which they devote their platforms, resources, and voices.

Tables were grounded with deep burgundy cymbidium orchids. Photo: Scott Clark

Produced by Jamie Aronson, VP of event production at Variety and Dina Yeskel, executive producer at Gold Sky Productions, and designed by Aronson and April Luca at Gold Sky Productions, this year’s experience explored movement not only in its literal sense, but as an expression of what Power of Women has represented since its inception—women moving industries forward, moving conversations into the mainstream, and mobilizing their influence on behalf of causes capable of changing lives.

The concept also continues a creative blueprint. In 2019, Gold Sky Productions and Aronson created an environment around the theme of “Light.” The largely white, reflective design was conceived to allow the honorees and their causes to remain the visual and emotional focus of the room.

“We wanted the design to visually express that idea without competing with the women themselves,” Luca said.

Seven years later, “Movement” advances that philosophy. Rather than creating a static stage environment, digital LED technology allowed the visual language to continuously evolve throughout the evening. Imagery inspired by fabric in motion and marbled compositions of rust, rose gold, and pearlescent tones flowed across the screens, giving the stage the softness and dimensionality of cascading textiles.

The movement on screen extended into the physical details of the room. Tables were grounded with deep burgundy cymbidium orchids—introducing an organic counterpoint to the digital stage. Pearlescent menus with rose gold printing shifted with the movement of the lights. They were complemented by smoke grey translucent programs and bookmarks with quotes from Dolly Parton that were decorated with buttery cream tassels.

The 2026 Power of Women honorees were Jennifer Hudson, Pearlena Igbokwe, Melissa McCarthy, and Sharon Stone. The evening was hosted by Iliza Shlesinger.

The faces of the honorees in Variety’s annual Women’s Impact Report appeared on the screen behind the stage. Photo: Scott Clark

It opened with Hudson performing “I Will Always Love You” by Parton, “immediately establishing an emotional tone for the evening,” Luca said.

The program also included recognition for Paige DeSorbo, Issa Rae, and The Jennifer Hudson Show, along with an acoustic performance by Normani.

Igbokwe, chairman of Universal Studio Group and a television executive whose career spans more than 35 years, used the event to spotlight A Better Chance, an organization with a deeply personal connection to her own story. The organization helped create educational opportunities for her as a young student and provided mentoring, academic resources, and emotional support that ultimately helped change the trajectory of her life and family.

McCarthy brought attention to the Joyful Heart Foundation, which works to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse while supporting survivors. Stone used her recognition to spotlight the ACLU.

The evening also recognized DeSorbo with the Variety Courage Award presented by Purina, connecting her decision to speak publicly about surviving an abusive relationship with the work of the Purina Purple Leash Project. The initiative, created with nonprofit RedRover, works to make more domestic violence shelters accessible to survivors with pets.

Luca explained that the programming was designed to move between storytelling, advocacy, recognition, and performance, reinforcing the larger movement concept.

Lifetime continued its longstanding relationship with Power of Women as presenting partner. For 2026, Purina and U.S. Bank joined as premier partners, with Waymo serving as the official innovation partner.

This year’s Power of Women event welcomed approximately 400 guests.

Keep scrolling to see more from Variety's Power of Women event...

Imagery inspired by fabric in motion and marbled compositions of rust, rose gold, and pearlescent tones flowed across the LED screens. Photo: Scott Clark

The cocktail menu featured a drink inspired by partner Waymo, called the "Waymorita," a version of a margarita with lychee puree. Photo: Scott Clark

The passed appetizer experience and plated meal were served by The Beverly Hills Hotel. Photo: Scott Clark

The names of the honorees of Variety’s annual Women’s Impact Report were prominently displayed during the cocktail reception. Photo: Scott Clark

The evening included an acoustic performance by Normani. Photo: Scott Clark

Pearlescent menus with rose gold printing shifted with the movement of the lights. Photo: Scott Clark

Bookmarks with quotes from Dolly Parton were decorated with buttery cream tassels. Photo: Scott Clark

Colorful dishes popped against the neutral dinner plates and table settings. Photo: Scott Clark

A Waymo vehicle was on display. Photo: Scott Clark

About the Author

Senior Contributing Editor

Michele Laufik is an editor, producer, and writer with expertise in lifestyle and event content, marketing copy, and headline writing.