Sharon Stone's Enduring Power: From Sex Symbol to Activist Icon, Grounded and Speaking Out

The air in The Beverly Hills Hotel was absolutely buzzing on September 23, 2026, as Variety hosted its much-anticipated Power of Women event. It was a gathering designed to shine a bright spotlight on the incredible women shaping the entertainment industry, not just through their work on screen or behind the scenes, but also through their profound dedication to meaningful causes. And, let's be honest, when you talk about powerful women with a message, Sharon Stone immediately springs to mind. The iconic actress, a true Hollywood legend, was among the evening's distinguished honorees, and she certainly didn't hold back, offering some truly poignant reflections on her own remarkable journey.

Stepping onto the stage, Sharon Stone — an Emmy winner, Oscar nominee, and recipient of the Nobel Peace Summit Award for her global activism — delivered a speech that was both candid and utterly captivating. For over four decades, she’s graced our screens, consistently portraying characters that push boundaries, characters with layers and complexities. And at this event, she openly acknowledged her past, sharing with the audience that she has "gone the distance from being a sex symbol." But, she quickly added with that signature Sharon Stone confidence, "I’m still hot!" Her secret, she revealed with a twinkle, is simply keeping her "tired feet...firmly planted on terra firma." It's a beautiful metaphor, isn't it? Suggesting that true power and lasting allure come not from fleeting fame or objectification, but from staying grounded, connected to reality, and committed to something larger than oneself. Her dedication to organizations like the ACLU certainly speaks volumes to that.

The conversation then, quite naturally, turned to contemporary issues, specifically touching on the recent buzz around Sydney Sweeney’s Novig sports betting advertisement. Stone, ever the pragmatist, offered a perspective that felt both empathetic and firm. She stated quite clearly that it’s ultimately "up to [Sweeney] to take responsibility for her actions." However, true to her spirit, Stone emphasized she wouldn’t be the one to cast judgment. What she truly championed, what she made abundantly clear, was her role as a "cheerleader for the women who have made it through and become champions in women’s sports." And, crucially, she expressed zero interest in seeing women’s sports "denigrated to get men’s attention so they can gamble." It was a powerful, unfiltered moment, cutting right to the heart of how women's achievements can sometimes be overshadowed or exploited.

Of course, Sharon Stone was just one star in a galaxy of phenomenal women celebrated that night. The evening, hosted by the sharp and witty comedian Iliza Shlesinger, also honored other trailblazers like EGOT-adjacent artist Jennifer Hudson, recognized for her work with the Jennifer Hudson Foundation, and the incredibly talented Melissa McCarthy, a champion for the Joyful Heart Foundation. We also saw Pearlena Igbokwe, a powerhouse overseeing NBCUniversal's television studios, honored for her support of A Better Chance, and television personality Paige DeSorbo, who received the Purina-presented Variety Courage Award for her vital advocacy for survivors of abuse. The entire event, generously presented by Lifetime, truly underscored the collective strength and diverse impact women are having across entertainment and beyond.

It was a night that truly exemplified what "power" means in the modern age — not just influence or fame, but the ability to effect change, to inspire, and to stand firmly in one's truth. Sharon Stone, with her enduring grace and unwavering spirit, certainly encapsulated that ethos, reminding us all that true staying power comes from depth, purpose, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others.