Lea Michele leads the glamour in a plunging brown gown at Variety’s 2023 Power Of Women in NYC

Glee star Lea Michele turned heads in a plunging brown leather gown, with a racy cutout across her toned midriff, at Variety’s 2023 Power Of Women in New York City on Monday afternoon. 

While strutting down a grey carpet at the exclusive invite-only luncheon, which bright together some of the most influential stars in Hollywood, the 36-year-old actress oozed confidence as she smiled demurely at photographers.

Her glamorous makeup look consisted of a nude lipstick, warm-toned, light brown eyeshadow, several layers of  mascara and no jewelry, apart from her four-carat engagement ring from husband Zandy Reich, and stud earrings.

Her raven-haired locks cascaded down her shoulders in tousled waves as she posed for numerous solo shots on her way into the event, which will be honoring Kelly Ripa, Judy Blume, Natasha Lyonne, Rosie Perez and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. 

Michele, who is currently starring as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, will be presenting during the ceremony, held at The Grill in midtown Manhattan.

Glamorous: Glee star Lea Michele turned heads in a plunging brown leather gown, with a racy cutout across her toned midriff, at Variety’s 2023 Power Of Women in New York City on Monday afternoon

Stunner: While strutting down a grey carpet at the exclusive invite-only luncheon, which bright together some of the most influential stars in Hollywood, the 36-year-old actress oozed confidence as she smiled demurely at photographers

Celebrating women in Hollywood: Michele, who is currently starring as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, will be presenting during the ceremony, held at The Grill in midtown Manhattan

Other presenters include Spike Lee, Andy Cohen, Sandra Bernhard, Aidy Bryant and Seth Meyers, according to Variety. 

Ego Nwodim, who was hosting the event, kicked off the ceremony by musing that its name, Power of Women, sounded ‘like the worst Marvel movie ever.’

‘But, seriously, it’s such an honor to be here today, with all the women in New York, who’ve made a difference in our industry, as well as their plus-ones, who we all know are only here for the free drinks and gift bags,’ she continued. 

The SNL star, 35, went on to remind the audience that ‘powerful women don’t let fear stop them.’ 

‘We do it all, and we make it look easy,’ she said of women, after reflecting on giving commencement speech for USC last year. 

As she introduced Ripa, 52, Nwodim raved that the seven-time Emmy winner ‘is a queen.’

‘I could never do what you do — and by that, I mean happily talk to people before 8 p.m,’ she marveled. ‘You’ve got that on lock.’ 

Before receiving an award for her activism, Rosie Perez was introduced by director Spike Lee, who said she’s ‘always had the greatest heart.’

‘She’s always been there for the people who don’t have a voice, who get ignored, kicked to the curb. She’s always been there and has never changed. Her courage has even grown more and she’s still fighting the good fight,’ he gushed. 

After giving her longtime pal a hug, Perez stated that the entertainment industry is ‘so hard for women.’ 

‘But especially for women of color, different gender identities and sexual orientation,’ the Oscar nominee said. ‘Which brings me to representation and inclusion. Representation matters. But without inclusion for all, the needle of progress will continue to move way too slowly.’

Pretty in pink: Kelly Ripa stunned in a hot pink gown, which she accessorized with a pair of glittery black and silver heels and a pair of delicate pearl drop earrings

Handsome: Andy Cohen cut a dapper figure in a charcoal grey suit, a blue button-down, coordinating tie and brown loafers

Legendary career: As she introduced Ripa, 52, Nwodim raved that the seven-time Emmy winner ‘is a queen’

‘I could never do what you do — and by that, I mean happily talk to people before 8 p.m,’ Nwodim marveled. ‘You’ve got that on lock’

Proud: Ripa told Variety gave shout-out to her colleagues on the 40th anniversary of Live! (which she has starred on for 23 years) on the red carpet

Sweet: She also revealed earlier that she ‘desperately’ wanted to meet Judy Blume at the event

Passionate: Cohen, who presented Ripa, his friend of 16 years, to the stage, praised her for putting up with ‘some grade-A bulls**t that men in her situation would never have to deal with’

A long road: Ripa began her speech by reflecting on moving to New York City at 18 with ‘no plan’ and ‘almost no money, no industry connections, no friend group, nothing’

She continued: ‘Hollywood, for some ungodly reason, still struggles to find a meaningful space for not only women but women who are marginalized on account of their race and gender identity.’ 

‘This needs to stop,’ she stated. ‘Please do not misconstrue my intentions…all the trials, tribulations, and successes by women who risked their lives and livelihood have changed the world and I wholeheartedly applaud the efforts of the women’s movement to move with the times.’ 

Moving forward, however, she asked ‘folks to consider that we all can do better’ and that ‘every single human being on this planet can participate’ not just women. 

Andy Cohen, who presented Ripa, his friend of 16 years, to the stage, praised her for putting up with ‘some grade-A bulls**t that men in her situation would never have to deal with.’ 

‘She has never cracked on TV, she’s preserved and overcome, and won. And, she’s a great role model for women and all of us, everywhere. ‘ he pointed out. 

Heartfelt: Before receiving an award for her activism, Rosie Perez was introduced by director Spike Lee, who said she’s ‘always had the greatest heart’

‘She’s always been there for the people who don’t have a voice, who get ignored, kicked to the curb. She’s always been there and has never changed. Her courage has even grown more and she’s still fighting the good fight,’ he gushed

Proud: Rosie beamed as she stood on stage and was handed her award from Lee

After giving her longtime pal a hug, Perez stated that the entertainment industry is ‘so hard for women’

Urging others to do more: Moving forward, she asked ‘folks to consider that we all can do better’ and that ‘every single human being on this planet can participate’ not just women

Sweet embrace: The old friends shared a big hug at the event

The Bravo vet added: ‘She’s a woman of great faith with a mouth like a sailor. Her family has every excuse to be a complete disaster, but they’re the total opposite. Kelly Ripa makes family values cool.’ 

He went on to conclude that he hopes his ‘daughter Lucy sees in’ Ripa ‘that possibility is limitless, that character and good values prevail, and that home is where the heart is.’ 

Ripa began her speech by reflecting on moving to New York City at 18 with ‘no plan’ and ‘almost no money, no industry connections, no friend group, nothing.’ 

She also took the opportunity to praise her fellow honoree Judy Blume, hwo she thanked for creating characters that gave her ‘all the guidance’ she need growing up. 

Ripa then urged women who have power to advocate for others, themselves and encourage others to do the same.

‘Support is really what women in every industry could always use more of — and will seldom ask for,’ she told listeners. 

Looking good: Chilli wore a white blazer dress with a low-cut neckline as she spoke onstage

Radiant: The singer (born Rozonda Thomas), 52, smiled as she held onto an award at the ceremony in front of her peers

Supportive: Spike Lee gave Chilli a hug during the event

Having fun: Kelly Ripa, who sported a hot pink ensemble, was seen inside with Kelly Ripa

Chatting away: Cohen was spotted chatting with actress and comedian Sandra Bernhard

Powerful women: Bernhard spoke with Sherri Shepherd, who won a Daytime Emmy Award while co-hosting the talk show The View

Pretty: For the event, Bernhard, 67, wore a red and white floral dress, a silver clutch and black leather heels

Attendees at the star-studded gathering include Natasha Lyonne, who donned a black and white houndstooth dress with gold and pearl buttons, a matching purse, plain black heels, bright red nails and multiple bracelets.

Her ginger locks were perfectly straightened and she rocked a heavy eyeliner to the event.

Dascha Polanco, who starred alongside Lyonne in Orange Is the New Black, commanded attention in a sleeveless striped gown with cutouts across her torso.

Attendees at the star-studded gathering include Natasha Lyonne, who donned a black and white houndstooth dress with gold and pearl buttons, a matching purse and plain black heels

Flirty look: Her ginger locks were perfectly straightened and she rocked a heavy eyeliner to the event

Bold: Dascha Polanco, who starred alongside Lyonne in Orange Is the New Black, commanded attention in a sleeveless striped gown with cutouts across her torso

Reunited: Polanco and Lyonne both starred on Orange Is the New Black

Silly: The former costars posed for a number of photos together on the grey carpet

Edgy: The actress sported a sultry grey smokey eyeshadow

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