Game of Thrones’ Emilia Clarke and Hannah Waddingham are among Variety’s Power of Women honorees

Variety has announced the first‑ever Power of Women: London event, set for June 3, 2026, in partnership with Lifetime. The honorees include Emilia Clarke, Hannah Waddingham, Emma Corrin, Cynthia Erivo, and Suki Waterhouse. Each will be featured on separate Variety covers and recognized for their artistic achievements and philanthropic work. The event mirrors Variety’s long‑running Power of Women celebrations in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville, but marks the franchise’s debut in the UK.

Quick read:

• Emilia Clarke and Hannah Waddingham named Power of Women honorees.
• Other honorees: Emma Corrin, Cynthia Erivo, Suki Waterhouse.
• Event takes place in London on June 3, 2026.

Why Emilia Clarke and Hannah Waddingham were chosen

Emilia Clarke is being honored for her work with SameYou, the charity she founded to support brain injury recovery. Clarke, best known as Daenerys Targaryen in Game of Thrones, has used her platform to raise awareness and funding for survivors.

Hannah Waddingham, Emmy‑winning star of Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones star who played Septa Unella and upcoming host of SNL UK, will represent Make‑A‑Wish UK. Her recognition reflects both her acclaimed acting career and her dedication to granting life‑changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.

Credit: HBO

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The other honorees and their causes

• Emma Corrin: Celebrated for portraying Princess Diana in The Crown, Corrin is the first non‑binary honoree in Power of Women history. They are supporting War Child, which aids children affected by armed conflict.
• Cynthia Erivo: The Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and three‑time Oscar nominee will highlight The Shameless Fund, which collaborates with global brands to support LGBTQ+ causes.
• Suki Waterhouse: Indie pop artist set to release her album Loveland in July, she is representing Facing the World, a charity helping children with facial disfigurements.

Event details and impact

The honorees will be celebrated at the SXSW London festival as part of its weeklong programming. Variety will also publish its Women’s Impact Report: London, spotlighting influential women in UK entertainment and media. The event is designed to amplify the voices of women making cultural and philanthropic contributions, with Variety and Lifetime emphasizing the importance of shared purpose and global impact.

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