“What a week it’s been for women,” said Sarah Silverman at a dinner celebrating Variety magazine’s Power of Women issue on May 5. She referred to the leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
Ms. Silverman wore a gold pin that read “Forbid Our Bodies” with her leopard-print Alice + Olivia dress (“Bought online. Fits like a glove,” she said).
The event took place at the Glasshouse, a modern event space in Midtown Manhattan that overlooks the Hudson River, and featured some very famous faces – including Amanda Seyfried, Camila Cabello, Queen Latifah, Drew Barrymore and Kim Cattrall, all of whom were honored. Other guests included Katie Couric, Emily Ratajkowski, Angie Harmon, Jimmy Fallon and Tamron Hall.
In her opening statement, Variety editor-in-chief Claudia Eller explained how the nominees were chosen. “Each of these women uses their influence to champion social welfare,” she said, as the 350 guests ate melon salads.
Ms. Seyfried was honored for her work with the International Network for Aid Relief & Assistance. Queen Latifah, who works with the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, spoke about the role of women in supporting each other. “When we stand together, there is no higher level,” she said. “I stand on a lot of shoulders and a lot of people stand on mine.
On grilled branzino, Ms. Cabello, who was introduced by Billy Porter, quoted writer Alice Walker and talked about her work with the Healing Justice Project. “It doesn’t matter who you are, you can’t continue if you don’t have the resources, time, space and tools to heal,” she said.
By the time the blacked-out chocolate cremeux was served, what was left of the room felt a little overwhelmed by the weight of the speeches. As the DJ played Janet Jackson’s “Together Again,” the rest of the guests walked to the exit and stopped to pick up their 30-pound gift bags, which were packed with skincare products, a book of mindful affirmations, chickpea paste, but, alas, none. magazine.
Queen Latifah, who had changed from her Prada heels to slightly more comfortable JW Anderson shoes, was one of the last to leave. “I feel very positive,” she said. “I’m going to take this energy out into the world,” she said. “Apparently it’s Cinco de Mayo, so there’s something to celebrate. There will be disaster somewhere.”
