Inside Glamour’s 2022 Woman of the Year Awards

Last night, Glamour Magazine hosted its annual Woman of The Year Awards, celebrating three decades of honoring some of the world’s most inspiring women. 2022’s distinguished honorees include actor Angela Bassett, designer and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Aurora James, band and sister-trio HAIM, olympian Chloe Kim, EGOT-achieving actor, singer and television host Jennifer Hudson, physician and abortion rights activist Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, and gun violence prevention activist and founder of Moms Demand Action Shannon Watts.

“To be named one of 2022’s Women of the Year is such an incredible honor. I was floored when I found out this was happening. This is such an important year for women, and we, more than ever, must stand up for what we believe in. That is exactly what I wanted to do with the 15 Percent Pledge and Brother Vellies: actively involve black artisans, paying special attention to involving communities that are usually not recognized,” Aurora James told Vogue. 

Hosted uptown at the famed Pool Lounge, partygoers dressed in their best evening wear arrived eager to applaud this year’s esteemed WOTY honoree class. Guests sipped on Champagne amidst the blossoming extravagant lily floral arrangements and dined on an elegant three-course meal before the evening’s programming kicked off. 

Festivities began with an acoustic performance of “Feeling Good” by Broadway actor and singer Patina Miller. As each honoree took the stage to accept their award, a common theme became evident: each woman unapologetically pursued their goals and dreams.

For the Haim sisters, being part of this year’s Woman of the Year class is doubly special. “We played this same event eight years ago as our first award show performance. To be here, then, hearing all the speeches and witnessing all these women awarded, was so inspiring. We were bawling, so we wore waterproof mascara this time,” Danielle, Este, and Alana Haim told Vogue. Wearing matching Louis Vuitton power suits, all that listened to their remarks couldn’t help but smile in response to the trio’s undeniable infectious kindness and humor as they accepted their award. Chloe Kim spoke about daring to choose self-care as a high-achieving woman. Later, honoree Shannon Watts took a stand against gun violence, reading a thought-provoking letter to herself on the world in which she wishes us all to live in by 2042—one in which we no longer fear being in large crowds, movie theaters, or sending students to school. 

Beyond the glamorous soiree itself, Glamour never shies away from taking a firm political stance for improving women’s lives and human rights globally. Cherelle Griner, the wife of Brittney Griner, spoke of her wife’s imprisonment in Russia and asked viewers and guests to write letters in support of Brittney using the hashtag #WEAREBG. Actors Nazanin Boniadi and Nasim Pedrad paid a moving tribute to the women speaking in Iran in honor of Mahsa Amin.

WOTY ’22 honoree Dr. Rebecca Gomperts had a message for attendees and women everywhere in light of the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade. “I want women to understand that the abortion pill is extremely safe and they can do it at home by themselves. This is supported by the World Health Organization and the FDA,” Dr. Gomperts told Vogue. “Women are resilient and strong. They’re revolutionaries. Despite all the repressive laws, despite the Supreme Court decision: they are in charge of their bodies.”

The evening concluded with standing ovations for honorees Jennifer Hudson and Angela Bassett, both women speaking of their mothers as central instruments of inspiration in their lives and encouraging the audience never to shy away from taking up space. “I accept this tremendous honor, The Woman of the Year, for my daughter, who I remind every day that she’s beautiful and she’s worthy, she’s strong,” said Angela Bassett, addressing the crowd. “Together, we stand. We all stand with courage. We stand to dream, be resilient and persistent, especially in the face of anyone who dares to underestimate us.” 

The festivities didn t end with the last award. Partygoers enjoyed a glamorous after-party at Ophelia s rooftop nearby.