Lauren Sánchez Receives the Women Empowerment Award at Cannes’s Global Gift Gala

Lauren Sánchez was honored at last night’s Global Gift Gala in Cannes for her philanthropic work and advocacy for women and underserved communities.

The New York Times bestselling author, Emmy Award-winning journalist, and pilot received the Women Empowerment Award, presented by her longtime friend and fellow advocate Eva Longoria.

In her acceptance speech, Sánchez reflected on her early life in New Mexico and the women who have shaped her outlook. “Tonight isn’t about celebrating just one person’s achievements,” she said. “It is about recognizing our collective ability to light the way for each other, to lift people towards a future with empathy, dignity, and possibility.”

“Empowerment isn’t about individual success,” she added. “It’s about our collective commitment to choosing compassion over judgment, dignity over indifference, and hope over despair.”

Sánchez wore a strapless black Dolce & Gabbana gown to the gala and accessorized with a diamond necklace. Longoria also attended the event in a beaded gown and spoke to People about Sánchez’s recent bachelorette party in Paris, which Longoria joined along with Sánchez’s other close friends. “It’s so nice to celebrate love,” the actress said. “It’s just the best feeling in the world to be there and go, ‘Yay, love.’”

Sánchez shared photos of the group on Instagram as they fêted her upcoming wedding to Jeff Bezos, which is expected to take place next month in Venice. “Forever starts with friendship, surrounded by the women who’ve lifted me up, illuminated my path in dark times, and shaped my heart along the way. 🤍” she wrote.

Last month, Sánchez made headlines as one of six women aboard Blue Origin’s first all-female space flight. She organized and led the mission, which included Katy Perry, Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. In ELLE’s April digital cover story, Sánchez said, “The fact that we’re going to be able to come back and inspire people and bring people together excites me the most. Little girls and little boys are going to be more curious about space and what else is out there because we’re bringing attention to it.”