Variety’s annual Power of Women luncheon made its New York debut this weekend with a star-packed guestlist. The event has been held in LA every fall since 2009, when it was started by publisher Michelle Sobrino-Stearns.

The very first New York luncheon opened with a speech by Sarah Jessica Parker, who has certainly earned the title of “successful woman”. On Friday afternoon, she took the stage and started with an appropriate quote by the late choreographer George Balanchine.

Sarah Jessica ParkerIman
Sarah Jessica Parker (l) and Iman (r) were just two of the honorees at the New York event.

“God made men to sing the praises of women,” Parker recalled Balanchine saying. “They are not equal to men. They are better.”

The event was attended by some of the best known women in media and show business, including  Susan Sarandon, Claire Danes, Iman, Idina Menzel and A&E Networks Chief Nancy Dubuc. The five women, along with Parker, were all recognised for their various achievements and charity endeavors, according to the Variety blog. In Parker’s case, this included her work with the New York City ballet.

Former supermodel and current superwoman Iman was recognized for her work with Somalian refugees. Having spent part of her life as a refugee herself, Iman has a personal stake in the cause. Iman said she has spent the last three years working with the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation, devoted to helping Somalians get medical help.

Susan SarandonClaire Danes
Susan Sarandon (l) and Claire Danes were also among the honorees.

“Personally, in 1972, my family had to flee Somalia on foot,” she said. She then recited a refrain that she learned growing up–”If you cannot be a mountain, lean on one.”

All of the ladies honored at the christening event will be featured on separate covers of the magazine’s May split release issue. More information on the ladies’ various causes and charity work is available on the Variety website, while the physical copies hit the stands on April 29 and is also available on digital devices.

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Idina MenzelNancy Dubuc
Idina Menzel (l) and Nancy Dubuc (r) rounded out the lineup.