From Reese Witherspoon to Jade Thirlwall, the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards lit up Claridge’s with a night celebrating talent, inspiration, and the power of women shaping culture today
BY FRANCESCA RAPISARDA
Some of the most influential women‘s names in film, music, television, and sport gathered at Claridge’s Hotel on Thursday evening for the annual Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards, a glittering celebration honouring talent, creativity, and the women shaping culture today.
The ceremony, one of the most glamorous nights in the British awards calendar, brought together an eclectic mix of stars, including Gillian Anderson, footballer Chloe Kelly and acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Among the night’s standout winners was Jade Thirlwall, who received the Musician of the Year award. The singer, who rose to fame as part of Little Mix before embarking on a solo career, was presented the honour by none other than Cheryl, one of her earliest inspirations.
Accepting the award, Jade reflected on the full-circle moment: “Cheryl was such a major influence during my X Factor journey and throughout my time in Little Mix. We’re both from the North East, and she was the first person who made me think, if she can do it, so can I.” Smiling, she added that as a teenager she’d often take photos of Cheryl to the salon and ask to copy her hairstyle.
In a moment of nostalgia, Cheryl and Melanie C, better known as Sporty Spice, joined Jade in the winners’ room to celebrate her success, marking one of the evening’s most photographed moments.
Television was equally well represented. Erin Doherty, who captivated audiences in Netflix’s breakout hit Adolescence, took home the Performance of the Year award. Her co-star, Owen Cooper, presented her with the trophy, praising her for the “power and authenticity” she brings to every role. Doherty, 33, is also widely recognised for her acclaimed portrayal of Princess Anne in The Crown, a performance that helped cement her reputation as one of Britain’s most versatile young actresses.
Elsewhere, Aimee Lou Wood was recognised for her standout turn in The White Lotus, with Doctor Who actor Ncuti Gatwa on hand to present her award. In a light-hearted moment that delighted the audience, Gatwa read out Wood’s entire astrological birth chart before quipping that “her brilliance was written in the stars”. Both actors first rose to prominence on Netflix’s Sex Education, making their on-stage reunion a fan favourite.
One of the evening’s most emotional tributes came from Barbie star America Ferrera, who honoured Reese Witherspoon with the Cultural Icon Award. Witherspoon used her speech to reflect on her career and the importance of telling women’s stories on their own terms. “The system I existed in wasn’t right for me,” she said. “That’s why I built Hello Sunshine, to make space for voices and stories that Hollywood wasn’t telling.” Witherspoon also expressed pride in her company’s acclaimed productions, including Gone Girl and Big Little Lies.
Theatre was not forgotten either. Veteran stage actress Celia Imrie presented Rosamund Pike with the Theatre Award for her lauded performance in the National Theatre’s Inter Alia. Imrie drew laughter from the crowd when she cheekily hinted at knowing the winner of Celebrity Traitors, promising to keep the secret, for now.
As the evening drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of unity and admiration among the guests, a celebration not only of success but of the creative courage and authenticity that define these remarkable women.
The Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards once again proved itself more than just a red-carpet spectacle: it was a tribute to artistry, empowerment, and the stories shaping modern womanhood.
