Variety magazine hosted its first "Power of Women" awards ceremony in London on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 [1].
The event marks the first time the publication has brought this specific celebration of female leadership in media to the United Kingdom. By expanding the ceremony to London, Variety aims to highlight the global influence of women in the arts and the specific strength of the British entertainment sector [2, 3].
The ceremony recognized five honorees for their contributions to the media landscape [4]. Among those celebrated were Emilia Clarke and Cynthia Erivo, both recognized for their significant impact on film and television [3].
Dea Lawrence, co-president of Variety, oversaw the launch of the event in the city. The initiative is designed to showcase some of the most recognizable women in the industry while fostering a broader conversation about gender dynamics in media production [2, 3].
"It is a great time to be British in the entertainment industry," Lawrence said [2].
The London event follows the established format of the Power of Women series, which focuses on the professional achievements and leadership of women across various sectors of the entertainment world. The gathering brought together a mix of industry executives, performers, and producers to acknowledge the shifting power structures within the UK's creative economy [1, 3].
“"It is a great time to be British in the entertainment industry."”
The expansion of the Power of Women awards to London signals Variety's intent to pivot toward a more international focus. By formalizing the recognition of British talent through a dedicated ceremony, the publication is acknowledging that the center of media influence is no longer exclusively based in the U.S., reflecting the growing economic and cultural weight of the UK entertainment hub.
