Amy Schumer hosted the 2015 Glamour Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall in New York last night, which featured an inspiring speech from Reese Whiterspoon, reported The Huffington Post. The "Train Wreck" writer and actress hosted the star-studded and inspiring event that featured notable figures like Elizabeth Holmes, Caitlyn Jenner, Victoria Beckham, Misty Copeland, Cecile Richards, Serena Williams, the Women of Charleston and the U.S. women's national soccer team were in attendance, reported WWD.
Cynthia (Cindi) Leive, Glamour's Editor-in-Chief, called the male-dominated American congress a "sausage fest" during the first 10 minutes of the event.
Witherspoon was honored for her production company Pacific Standard and fashion line Draper James. The "Sweet Home Alabama" actress addressed double-standards for women in Hollywood, noted People.
"I hope, Amy Schumer – and all the other incredible nominees – that you'll give me the rights to your biopic first," the Witherspoon said. "Although, Amy, I'm five years older than you, so I'll probably have to play your grandmother in the movie, by Hollywood standards, and you'll probably have to play your own mother."
Witherspoon talked about her production company, Pacific Standard, which she formed to create more movies starring women.
"My mother, a very strong Southern woman, said to me, 'If you want something done, Honey, do it yourself,'" Witherspoon said.
Her production company has two box office hits: "Gone Girl" and "Wild." Referring to her popular role in "Legally Blonde," Witherspoon added, "Like Elle Woods, I do not like to be underestimated. Films with women at the center are not a public service project. They are a big-time, bottom line-enhancing, money-making commodity."
The "Walk the Line" star took on women's equality in her speech as well.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I think we are in a cultural crisis in every field, in every industry. Women are underrepresented and underpaid in leadership positions," Witherspoon added. "No wonder we don't have the healthcare we deserve or paid family leave or public access to early childhood education. And that really worries me. How can we expect legislation with our rights and needs being preserved if we don't have equal representation?"
The Golden Globe Award nominee for "Election" wrapped up her speech with an inspiring call to women to believe in themselves.
"I believe ambition is not a dirty word. It's just believing in yourself and your abilities. Imagine this: What would happen if we were all brave enough to believe in our own ability? To be a little bit more ambitious? I think the world would change," she said.
