Full Breakdown
Variety’s Inaugural Power of Women London Event Highlights Health Advocacy and Industry Empowerment
6/4/2026, 9:19:56 PM
Variety Power of Women London – Event Overview
The inaugural Variety Power of Women London took place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at the Chancery Rosewood Hotel. Hosted by SNL U.K. cast member Ania Magliano and presented by Lifetime, the ceremony honored Emilia Clarke, Emma Corrin, Hannah Waddingham, Suki Waterhouse and Cynthia Erivo, and awarded Dame Joan Collins the Icon of the Year prize.
Background & Context
This was the first London edition of Variety’s annual Power of Women event. Variety and Lifetime pledged direct donations to each honoree’s chosen foundation. Opening remarks by publisher Dea Lawrence, followed by co-editors Cynthia Littleton and Ramin Setoodeh, framed the gathering as a celebration of women leveraging their platforms for change.
Honorees & Advocacy
- Emilia Clarke discussed her two brain hemorrhages and promoted SameYou, a brain-injury recovery charity.
- Cynthia Erivo highlighted LGBTQ+ work through the Shameless Fund.
- Emma Corrin, the first non-binary honoree, called for inclusive support networks.
- Hannah Waddingham represented Make-Wish UK and mentioned her new partner, spinal surgeon Nick Beresford-Cleary.
- Suki Waterhouse advocated for Facing the World, which funds facial-disfigurement surgery for children.
- Joan Collins received the Icon award and spoke on continual reinvention and elder-abuse awareness.
Data, Statistics & Impact
Clarke noted that one in three people will suffer a brain injury and that more than 15 million individuals in the UK and US live with stroke or traumatic-brain-injury consequences. SameYou reports tens of thousands of survivors, highlighting a large unmet need for long-term neuropsychological care. The event’s charitable donations target gaps in health, LGBTQ+ support and children’s welfare.
Official Statements & Responses
Dea Lawrence called London “arguably the biggest entertainment hub outside the United States” and described the ceremony as a platform for “women using their voices and platforms with purpose.” Littleton and Setoodeh emphasized community and mutual support among women in the industry. Collins emphasized the need for continual reinvention and highlighted elder-abuse as a societal issue.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Fifteen years after my first bleed, I have the hindsight to see how difficult that time truly was.” — Emilia Clarke, Actress
- “I’m doubly honored to be here tonight as the first non-binary recipient of the award.” — Emma Corrin, Actress
- “ Upon taking the stage again, Waterhouse reflected on her newfound experience as a mother: “Becoming a mom has humbled my entire being.” — Suki Waterhouse, Singer/Actress
- “But it’s the quiet part that we have to support.” — Hannah Waddingham, Actress
- “I discovered that to survive in this business and to thrive, you have to show which women are needed to reinvent themselves. We have to reinvent ourselves time and time again.” — Dame Joan Collins, Actress
What’s Next
Clarke will expand SameYou’s advocacy for brain-injury aftercare. Waddingham’s Make-Wish UK partnership will launch new wish-granting projects ahead of the upcoming “Ted Lasso” season 4. The event’s success sets a precedent for future Variety Power of Women gatherings in London, with plans to fund additional charitable foundations.
