Jennifer Hudson, Pearlena Igbokwe, Melissa McCarthy and Sharon Stone were honored Wednesday at Variety’s Power of Women event in Beverly Hills and spotlighted causes they support. Paige DeSorbo, Issa Rae and The Jennifer Hudson Show also received awards.
Pearlena Igbokwe dedicated her remarks to A Better Chance, saying the nonprofit’s mentoring and other support helped her pursue an Ivy League education. Melissa McCarthy highlighted the Joyful Heart Foundation. Paige DeSorbo received the Courage Award from the Purina Purple Leash Project, which helps create pet-friendly shelters for survivors of domestic abuse; she discussed surviving an abusive relationship as a teenager.
The Jennifer Hudson Show received Variety’s Changemaker Award, while Issa Rae received the Entertainment Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Hudson also spotlighted the Jennifer Hudson Foundation; Rae said she uses her influence to support her community and help tell others’ stories. Stone reflected on her career and women’s collective power.
