Icon of the Year! Dame Joan Collins, 93, Shines in Gold and Steals the Show at Variety’s Power of Women London

Dame Joan Collins lit up London on 3 June as the surprise “Icon of the Year” honoree at Variety’s inaugural Power of Women gala, proving that at 93 her star power remains undimmed. Collins arrived at the Chancery Rosewood in a shimmering gold-sequin top, black flared skirt and sculptural earrings, effortlessly out-glamming attendees half her age. Taking the stage after performances and tributes to fellow honorees Emilia Clarke, Cynthia Erivo, Suki Waterhouse, Emma Corrin and Hannah Waddingham, the Dynasty legend reflected on seven decades in show business. “To thrive, women in entertainment must reinvent themselves time and time again,” she told the packed ballroom, earning a standing ovation. Icon of the Year: why it matters Variety’s Power of Women franchise has long celebrated philanthropic trailblazers in Hollywood, but London’s first edition underscored Britain’s growing influence on global screens. By honoring Collins—an actress who conquered film, television, theatre and publishing—the event linked new-generation talents to a performer who shattered glass ceilings before the phrase existed. Red-carpet style that sparks searches Collins’ gold-and-black ensemble has already fueled fashion-blog buzz, echoing her 2026 Cannes white-cape moment and reaffirming her status as a style bellwether for mature audiences. Expect “Joan Collins Power of Women dress” to trend as awards-season gowns are pinned for inspiration. A preview of “My Duchess” During her acceptance speech, Collins teased her upcoming film “My Duchess,” in which she portrays Wallis Simpson in the final years of the Duchess of Windsor’s life. The drama, fresh from its Cannes premiere, will mark her first leading role since 2022 and positions Collins for a potential late-career awards run. Inside the star-studded room Hosted by SNL U.K.’s Ania Magliano, the evening opened with Waterhouse debuting her single “Back in Love.” Clarke candidly recounted recovery from two brain hemorrhages, Corrin celebrated being the first non-binary recipient, Waddingham championed mental-health support, and Erivo challenged the industry’s narrow definition of power. Yet it was Collins—introduced by Variety publisher Dea Lawrence—who unified generations with a reminder that resilience is an evergreen headline. What’s next for Dame Joan Between press for “My Duchess,” a memoir addendum in progress and rumblings of a limited-series return to the Dynasty universe, Collins shows no sign of slowing down. As she told reporters backstage, “Busy women live longer.” SEO takeaway Search interest around “Joan Collins Variety Power of Women London 2026” is surging; readers want red-carpet looks, inspiring quotes and release details for “My Duchess.” Covering those angles now positions publishers to capture evergreen traffic each time Collins’ ageless charisma makes news.