Writer and producer Molly McNearney used her moment in the spotlight at the 50th annual Gracie Awards to deliver a passionate message about women’s rights and self-image.
Accepting an award for her work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, McNearney addressed the often unrealistic beauty standards placed on women.
“I’m not saying this for sympathy — please, don’t give me sympathy,” she said during her speech at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel. “You might be feeling the same way right now, and I need us to realize together — it doesn’t f—king matter. We’re all too hard on ourselves. We’re going to take all of this off in a few hours — unless you’re married to Jimmy Kimmel.”
The Gracie Awards, hosted this year by comedian Fortune Feimster, honor women in media and are presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation. This year’s winners included Dune: Prophecy, actress Cristin Milioti, Kathy Bates, and rapper Megan Thee Stallion. Variety was also recognized for its Power of Women franchise.
Actress and writer Stephanie Koenig, who starred in and wrote for FX’s The English Teacher, also received an award. In her speech, she highlighted the men who supported her career. “Shoutout to some cool dudes who helped me get this job. It was my first writing job. If you’re a dude with hiring power, open the door for women,” she said.
McNearney’s speech wasn’t the only moment of advocacy during the event. She also spoke about the ongoing battle for reproductive rights in the United States. “We must keep fighting for reproductive freedom,” she said, emphasizing the importance of women’s autonomy.
Country singer Cam, who performed Beyoncé’s “American Requiem” at the gala, shared her own thoughts on staying grounded in challenging times. “Keep your sanity day-to-day,” she told Variety on the red carpet. “Make sure you take up space where you can. The more personal connection, the more impact you can have.”
The night also honored journalists covering major social issues — including incarceration and the fentanyl epidemic. CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell, known for her exclusive interview with Pope Francis, reflected on the responsibility of the press.
“That’s why I got into the business — to be a truth-teller,” O’Donnell said. “We need an informed electorate to have a functioning democracy. That’s our job: to be trusted, so the public believes what we report.”
The Gracie Awards continue to spotlight not just women’s achievements in media, but also their voices in shaping the cultural and political landscape.
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