Sharon Stone shuns sex‑symbol, vows civil‑rights fight after award

On Wednesday, Sharon Stone accepted Power of Women award at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles. The ceremony took place on the hotel’s terrace under a clear sky and featured a star‑filled crowd.

Stone used the moment to shift focus from her past as a Hollywood sex symbol to her current role as an advocate for women's rights and social justice.

Before stepping onto the stage, Stone chatted with on the red‑carpet, where she reflected on how she has moved beyond the iconography of her early career. The interview was brief but candid, with Stone emphasizing that her identity now extends far beyond her film persona.

She highlighted her ongoing philanthropic work and her desire to inspire other women to recognize and harness their own power.

Stone, who first captivated audiences with her role in the 1992 erotic thriller Basic Instinct, used the ceremony to spotlight her partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union. She spoke about the importance of civil rights protections and how she has leveraged her public profile to support the ACLU’s mission.

Stone also reiterated her commitment to use her platform for compassionate change, urging women to act in ways that nurture and support one another.

## Background & Context

Power of Women ceremony is part of the broader Awards ecosystem that recognizes achievements across film, television, and digital media. This particular gala focuses on women who have leveraged their influence to drive societal progress, often highlighting activism alongside creative output.

The event was organized by a committee that includes industry veterans and nonprofit leaders, aiming to spotlight role models for emerging women in entertainment.

The ceremony took place on the terrace of the Beverly Hills Hotel and was hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger.

Honorees included Pearlena Igbokwe for A Better Chance, Queen Latifah for her entertainment leadership, Jennifer Hudson for The Jennifer Hudson Foundation, Melissa McCarthy for the Joyful Heart Foundation, Paige DeSorbo for her Courage Award, and Issa Rae for entrepreneurship.

The audience also witnessed heartfelt speeches and performances that underscored the night’s themes.

Stone’s partnership with the ACLU underscores her focus on civil liberties. She has long used her celebrity status to champion causes that protect individual rights. Her speech highlighted the necessity of continuing to safeguard freedom for all Americans, particularly in a climate where such rights can be challenged.

## What People Are Saying

On the red carpet, Stone said, “I think that it’s very important to recognize that we are all women of power and influence, because women, by the very fact of being a woman, [are] powerful and influential.” She added, “It’s a woman who makes all of the basic day‑to‑day choices in the world.

I think it’s really important to think about that. That is very powerful and very influential.”

Queen Latifah, who introduced Igbokwe, noted, “My origin story started with hard work, but someone had to give me an opportunity.” Jennifer Hudson reflected on her mission, saying, “Our mission was always to highlight and accentuate the positive, and that is what we strive to do at ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’ each and every day.”

Lauren Graham recalled her friendship with McCarthy, “I met Melissa playing her pretend friend on ‘Gilmore Girls,’ and we got to become friends in real life.” DeSorbo shared her experience of abuse, stating, “When you’re that young and you’re in a situation like that, you don’t necessarily have the perspective or the language to understand what’s happening.” Issa Rae admitted, “It’s hard to feel inspired when you feel helpless and useless.” She added, “I can decide who I’m around, who I work with, who I champion, who I invest in, whose stories I tell, who I platform, who I respond to.”

## What Happens Next

Stone did not announce a specific new project, but she reiterated her commitment to use her platform for compassionate change and to support the ACLU’s work protecting individual rights. She also expressed plans to continue speaking out on women's issues at future events and in public forums.

While the ceremony highlighted the achievements of Igbokwe, Latifah, Hudson, McCarthy, DeSorbo and Rae, no further details on upcoming initiatives were released during the event. The organizers noted that future award cycles will continue to honor women whose work intersects advocacy and entertainment.

Power of Women celebration serves as a platform for recognizing women who have leveraged their influence for social good, and the organization plans to continue featuring similar awards in future years.

During the ceremony, Jennifer Hudson performed a rendition of Dolly Parton’s 1974 track “I Will Always Love You,” showcasing how honorees blend their artistic gifts with advocacy.

The event also drew a roster of familiar faces, including Selma Blair who arrived with her dog, and Jenna Dewan. Other celebrities such as Rylee Arnold, Morgan Stewart, Tisha Campbell and Judy Reyes were present, adding to the star‑filled atmosphere.

celebration underscores Hollywood’s growing commitment to using celebrity influence for broader societal impact.

Attendees left the venue with renewed appreciation for the intersection of entertainment and activism.