Glamour Women of the Year winners Ariana DeBose and America Ferrera call for action in powerful speeches

Ariana DeBose and America Ferrera called for action in "depressing times" at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2023.

The 'West Side Story' actress and 'Ugly Betty' star were both honoured at the ceremony in London on Tuesday (17.10.23) night, and used their acceptance speech to address serious issues.

America - who was named a global honouree and received the UK Impact Award - referenced the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and said: “The one thing we know about war? It never benefits women.

"What are our voices if not to cry out on behalf of our sisters? In this moment, we can stand together and call for an end to all violence.

“We can demand that hostages be released and safely returned to their families. We must demand that our world leaders deliver a ceasefire and an immediate humanitarian response in Gaza and Israel.

"We must save our sisters. We must let the children live it in peace. May we all find the courage to use our voices.”

Ariana received the Game-Changing Performer of the Year prize, and insisted "what is truly game changing" is "giving a damn".

She added: "Giving a damn and taking action to do something about it. If you see something, say something. I am so inspired by the faces I see in this room tonight.

"In the midst of such sad and, frankly, depressing times it is heartening to see people come together from different walks of life, to show up for each other.

"Humanity will never be devoid of nuance, for that is the essence of life.”

Elsewhere, Millie Bobby Brown was also named a global honouree, while Leigh-Anne Pinnock took home the musician of the year trophy, and Lily Allen was recognised with the theatre actor gong.

Hannah Waddington won entertainer of the year, while 'The Little Mermaid' star Halle Bailey was named Game-Changer of the Year.

Reflecting on how life has changed in the spotlight, she said: "In the age of social media, in some way, we all live under that same scrutiny. From our bodies, to what we wear to who we love and the things we care about – It’s all open to scrutiny.

"So, here’s my honest advice. Turn it off when you need to find inner peace. But also, live your life for you."

Fats Timbo was named creator of the year, while Georgia Harrison accepted the activist of the year prize, Olivia Dean won rising star, and England's Lionesses accepted the sports icon award.

Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2023 in partnership with Samsung - full winners

America Ferrera: Global honouree and UK Impact Award

Millie Bobby Brown: Global honouree

Leigh-Anne Pinnock: Musician of the Year

Ariana DeBose: Game-Changing Performer of the Year

Lily Allen: Theatre Actor of the Year

Hannah Waddingham: Entertainer of the Year

Halle Bailey: Game-Changer of the Year

Fats Timbo: Creator of the Year

Georgia Harrison: Activist of the Year

Olivia Dean: Samsung Rising Star

Lionesses: Sports Icons of the Year

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