Horror Queen Meets Modern Final Girl as Curtis and Sweeney Share Spotlight

It was a night of empowerment, philanthropy and star power at Variety’s Power of Women event in Los Angeles, where two generations of horror royalty – Jamie Lee Curtis and Sydney Sweeney – shared the spotlight. Held at the Beverly Hills Hotel and presented by Lifetime, the ceremony honoured women making an impact in entertainment and beyond, celebrating their influence not only on screen but in their communities.

Jamie Lee Curtis, whose career has defined modern horror since her breakout in Halloween (1978), closed the evening with a passionate speech about her support for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the challenges the institution faces amid funding cuts. Addressing the fear undocumented families experience when seeking medical help, Curtis underscored the theme of the night: that women’s power lies in compassion, resilience and community.

“The power of women is in every single woman who works at that hospital,” she said, crediting nurses, doctors and mothers who continue to show up for their children despite adversity. Curtis’ remarks served as a reminder of why she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected voices, blending activism with authenticity.

Earlier in the evening, rising star Sydney Sweeney took the stage, introduced by Sharon Stone, to discuss her role as boxer Christy Martin in the upcoming biopic Christy. The Immaculate and Euphoria actress spoke about strength and perseverance, connecting Martin’s struggles to her own experience navigating Hollywood. Sweeney, who has made a name for herself across thrillers and psychological horror films including Eden (2024), Echo Valley (2025) and the upcoming Housemaid (2025), reflected on what it means to fight for recognition and creative freedom.

“I know what it feels like to be underestimated, to have people define you before you’ve had a chance to define yourself,” she said. Her emotional address resonated with the audience, showcasing a poise and depth that mirrors her increasingly bold career choices.

The event also featured appearances by Kate Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and Wanda Sykes, each using their platform to highlight causes close to their hearts, from children’s welfare to women’s rights and hunger relief. Hosted by comedian Iliza Shlesinger, the night struck a balance between humour and heartfelt advocacy, embodying its guiding mantra: “When women thrive, the community thrives.”

For fans of horror, seeing Curtis and Sweeney share the stage carried symbolic weight. Curtis, who has spent decades redefining the genre with films such as Halloween, The Fog and Prom Night, stood alongside one of its most promising new talents — an actress helping to shape its next era. While Curtis remains the genre’s enduring scream queen, Sweeney represents a new kind of final girl: complex, modern and in control of her own story.

Their joint presence at the event was a powerful reflection of continuity and progress in Hollywood, uniting two women who have both fought, in different ways, for a stronger, more inclusive industry.