Some of the most influential women in the world gathered at Carnegie Hall on Monday night for the 21st annual Glamour Magazine Women of the Year awards.
The event paid tribute to women who have made significant contributions in a broad spectrum of fields, from politics, art and social justice to fashion.
Attendees included Jessica Alba, Chelsea Handler, Lea Michele, Jennifer Aniston and Arianna Huffington.
It was a night of girl power – as immediately evident in the opening remarks of Glamour’s editor-in-chief Cindi Leive.
“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women,” she told the audience. “We didn’t let any of them in tonight.”
Laura Bush and her daughters were honored for their groundbreaking work fighting breast cancer in the Middle East and for recently spearheading the $75 million Pink Ribbon, Red Ribbon campaign to provide cervical cancer care to women in sub-Saharan Africa.
Also recognized was Jennifer Lopez, who teared up as she recalled the support she gathered from the ladies in her life during a tumultuous year.
“It’s the women,” she said, according to US Magazine. “Through the ups and the not-so-ups, that’s the one thing that got me through.”
But the real highlight of the evening came when Gloria Steinam was given the lifetime achievement award.
“She is a trailblazer and a pioneer to me and to everybody who spells their name W-O-M-A-N,” said Oprah Winfrey.
Steinem has been a tireless crusader for women’s rights for more than half a century.
“Life is one long surprise,” the 77-year-old told the crowd. “You can prepare but you can’t plan.”
