Glee star Lea Michele turned heads in a dark brown leather gown, with a racy slit across her midriff, at Variety’s 2023 Power Of Women in New York City on Monday afternoon.
As she strutted on a gray carpet at the exclusive luncheon, which lit together some of the most influential stars in Hollywood, the 36-year-old actress was bursting with confidence when she smiled softly for the paparazzi.
Her glamorous makeup look consisted of nude lipstick, light brown eye shadow, several coats of mascara and no jewelry, save for her four-carat engagement ring from husband Zandy Reich, and earrings.
Her raven-haired locks cascaded down her shoulders in tousled waves as she rocked several solo shots on her way to the event, which will be honoring Kelly Ripa, Judy Bloom, Natasha Lyonne, Rosie Perez, and Michaela J. Rodriguez.
Michelle, who is currently starring as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, will perform during the party at The Grill in midtown Manhattan.
Glamour: Glee star Lea Michele turned heads in a dark brown leather gown, with a racy slit across the midriff, at Variety’s 2023 Power Of Women in New York City on Monday afternoon
Stunning: As she swayed on a gray carpet at the exclusive luncheon, which lit together some of the most influential stars in Hollywood, the 36-year-old actress exuded confidence as she smiled softly for the paparazzi
Celebrating women in Hollywood: Michelle, who is currently starring as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, will perform during the party at The Grill in midtown Manhattan
Other presenters include Spike Lee, Andy Cohen, Sandra Bernard, Aidy Bryant and Seth Meyers, according to diverse.
Ego Nodem, who was hosting the event, began the party by musing that its name, Women’s Power, sounded like “the worst Marvel movie ever.”
“But, seriously, it’s such an honor to be here today, with all the women in New York who are making a difference in our industry, plus the plus-size women, who we all know are here for free drinks and gift bags.
The SNL star, 35, went on to remind the audience that “strong women don’t let fear stop them.”
“We do it all, and we make it look easy,” she said of the women, after reflecting on giving a commencement speech for USC last year.
When introducing Reba, 52, Nodem said the seven-time Emmy winner “is a queen.”
“I could never do what you do — and by that I mean happily talk to people before 8 p.m.,” she marveled. “I got this in the lock.”
Before receiving an award for her activism, Rosie Perez was introduced by director Spike Lee, who said she “always has the biggest heart.”
She’s always been there for the people who don’t have a voice, who are ignored, who get kicked to the curb. She was always there and never changed. She has grown more courageous and is still fighting the good fight.”
After hugging her longtime boyfriend, Perez stated that the entertainment industry is “very hard on women.”
“But especially for women of color, different gender identities and sexual orientations,” said the Oscar nominee. Which brings me to representation and inclusion. Representation matters. But without everyone included, the needle of progress will continue to move very slowly.
Legendary career: When Reba, 52, introduced, seven-time Emmy winner Nodem said she was a ‘queen’
“I could never do what you do—and by that, I mean happily talk to people before 8 p.m.,” Nodem gushed. “I got this in the lock.”
Proud: Ripa told Variety she shouted out to her castmates on the 40th anniversary of Live! (which she starred in for 23 years) on the red carpet
Sweet: She also revealed earlier that she wanted “badly” to meet Judy Blume at the event
Heart: Before receiving an award for her activism, Rosie Perez was introduced by director Spike Lee, who said she ‘always has the biggest heart’
She’s always been there for the people who don’t have a voice, who are ignored, who get kicked to the curb. She was always there and never changed. She has grown more courageous and is still fighting the good fight.”
Proud: Rosie smiled as she stood on stage and received her award from Lee
After hugging her longtime boyfriend, Perez stated that the entertainment industry is “very hard on women.”
She urged others to do more: Going forward, she asked “people to think we can all do better” and that “every human being on this planet can participate,” not just women.
A Sweet Cuddle: Old friends shared a big hug at the event
ENJOYING: Kelly Ripa, dressed in a hot pink outfit, is seen inside with Kelly Ripa
She continued, “Hollywood is still, for some reason, struggling to find a meaningful space for not just women but women who are marginalized because of their race and gender identity.”
“This has to stop,” she said. “Please do not misunderstand my intentions… All the trials and tribulations and successes of women who risked their lives and livelihoods have changed the world and I deeply applaud the efforts of the women’s movement to move with the times.”
Moving forward, she asked “people to think we can all do better” and that “every human being on the planet can participate” and not just women.
