Italian
Leslie Jones set to host major women’s gala with her signature flair
Bringing humor and respect to the Power of Women Gala
Renowned comedian Leslie Jones is gearing up to host the acclaimed Power of Women Gala on October 24. Known for her bold humor, Jones is preparing to bring her distinctive style and electric energy to a night that celebrates some of the most influential women in the entertainment industry. “I have to see what the crowd is. I’m thinking these are gonna be classy ladies, so I’m definitely gonna have to, you know, watch my mouth first,” she quips, acknowledging her tendency to sprinkle her humor with a colorful word or two.
Celebrating industry trailblazers
The event, organized in collaboration with Lifetime, will honor a lineup of incredible women, including Amy Adams, Bela Bajaria, Carol Burnett, and Zoe Saldaña. These honorees are profiled in the Women’s Impact Report for their remarkable contributions and leadership in entertainment. Speaking about her role, Jones emphasizes, “It’s more about just bringing a little bit of joy, a little bit of ease to the room. Everybody’s gonna be dressed up and probably kind of a little nervous. So I like to always make people just go, ‘Hey, live in this moment. Live in this moment! It’s fun. We are all looking good.” Her goal is clear: to ensure the evening is both memorable and relaxed.
A comedian’s journey from 1987 to now
Jones, a veteran in the stand-up comedy scene since 1987, is unfazed by the challenge of hosting such a prestigious event. “You just have to be ready for everything,” she says. “You have to have clean material, you have to have dirty material. You have to have all the material. If you are an all-around entertainer, especially as a comic, you have it already.” This versatility is what makes Jones a perfect fit for the gala, given her ability to adapt and enthrall audiences of all kinds.
The importance of female impact
Beyond the comedy, Jones is deeply appreciative of the event’s theme and what it stands for. “The impact that women have had on this whole world — we are half of the population. Let’s start there,” she passionately states. Highlighting the multifaceted contributions of women, she adds, “We bring talent, we bring passion, we bring our heart, we bring our hard work, we bring our thoughts, our fears. We bring all of that. We bring just what the men bring. So that’s why it upsets me when we are not treated the same way.” She is clear in her call for equal respect and recognition for women and their achievements.
Reflecting on industry progress
Jones recalls her time on the set of Ghostbusters in 2016, alongside the formidable cast of Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, and Chris Hemsworth. Inspired by McCarthy’s assertiveness in ensuring her screen presence was respected, Jones has adopted a similar stance. “She was making sure that they are respecting her appearance on screen. And I loved it. And so now I do it when I’m on set, I’m like, ‘Do you got enough light over here? You notice the dark skin?’” Despite the strides made, Jones notes, “I still feel like the industry has a lot of catching up to do.”
A night to remember
The Power of Women franchise is recognized as one of the most anticipated events celebrating the formidable influence of women in the industry. “We are honored to celebrate outstanding women who continue to defy barriers and push the industry forward,” says the event’s organizers. Their continued commitment to showcasing female empowerment is a testament to the ongoing journey towards gender equality.
As you share in the excitement and inspiration of this powerful night, remember to cherish and uphold the contributions of women everywhere. Stay connected for more updates, and spread the word about this remarkable celebration of talent and resilience.
