Iliza Shlesinger to Host Variety’s Power of Women Gala, Champions Female Voices & Fights Censorship
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Iliza Shlesinger will bring her signature blend of humor and insight to teh stage as the host of Variety’s Power of Women gala. the comedian expressed that the chance is a natural fit, stating, “It’s the perfect fit…My whole career has been commentary on women, and I always want my female audience feeling a little bit better than when they walked in.”
Honoring Female leadership in Entertainment
The event, presented in partnership with Lifetime, will celebrate the achievements of Sydney Sweeney, Nicole Scherzinger, Wanda Sykes, Kate Hudson, and Jamie Lee Curtis. These women are being recognized for their leadership within the entertainment industry and are featured in Variety’s Women’s Impact Report.
Empowering Through Laughter and Insight
Currently touring with her “Iliza! Live” show and featured in the Amazon Prime comedy special “A different Animal,” Shlesinger consistently uses her platform to encourage female empowerment. She believes there’s a unique strength in women who “don’t ask permission, who create their own lane and do it,” especially in a world where simply existing as a woman can invite criticism.
Shlesinger emphasizes the importance of being heard and seen, reflecting on her own career trajectory. “It’s about feeling seen,” she explained. “Especially as a woman,I think that that’s paramount – feeling seen and feeling heard.” She continued,”knowing that what I have to say is just as valid – if not more valid – than the male comic next to me and deciding that I’m allowed to talk and it’s gonna be pretty good.” After two decades in comedy, she feels confident in the value of her perspective.
Beyond Jokes: A Mirror to Society
Shlesinger views comedy as more than just a source of entertainment. While acknowledging that “it’s OK to just tell superficial jokes,” she feels a deep obligation as an artist to “hold up a mirror to society and to call out things when I see them,especially for women,because we’re told that we’re crazy.” She recognizes that many women lack a public voice and strives to articulate the feelings and experiences she observes.
The comedian also noted a recurring theme during her performances in the U.S. and Europe: audiences are grappling with hardships she and others are blessed enough to avoid. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to provide a temporary escape, stating, “The fact that people give me their time is something that has never been lost on me.”
A Stand Against Censorship and Rising Antisemitism
Shlesinger is deeply concerned about the growing trend of censorship in entertainment, referencing recent events like the cancellation of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and the suspension of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” She warned that the erosion of free speech, driven by individuals on both sides of the political spectrum, threatens the foundations of American society.”Very bad things happen when very good men do nothing,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and open debate. She firmly believes that “no comics should be censored” and that audiences have the agency to choose what content they consume.
Furthermore, Shlesinger passionately addressed the issue of antisemitism, a topic she has consistently confronted throughout her career. she acknowledged its ancient prevalence but stressed the importance of vocal Jewish resistance. “Jews aren’t going anywhere and now, more than ever before, we are able to be more vocal about our permanence,” she asserted. However, she lamented the fact that she must carefully consider her responses to questions about why hatred towards jewish people is unacceptable, highlighting the alarming normalization of antisemitic sentiment. She concluded, “Every socio-political and religious conflict on Earth is assigned nuance, but when it comes to the blanket dismissal of Jewish people, it has become acceptable, and lauded, to be absolute.”
