We asked 14 male celebrities which woman inspires them the most
To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, we asked some of our favourite guys to salute the kick-ass women who inspire them...
Getty ImagesEmma Watson, actress and activist, by Dan Stevens, Beauty and the Beast co-star
"There’s a fierce intelligence to Emma, which I admire. She has a curiosity and a desire to explore ideas. Before we started shooting Beauty and the Beast, I was inspired by her incredible speech as UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. She was pivotal in the creation of the HeForShe campaign, driven by her passion for gender equality."
Getty ImagesJennifer Lawrence, actress, by Craig David, singer-songwriter
"She is such a huge movie star and talent, but whenever I’ve seen her in interviews she is so humble, doesn’t take it all too seriously and is very witty."
Getty ImagesJada Pinkett Smith, actress, by Will Smith, actor
"My grandmother, my mother and my wife have all had a huge impact on me. My wife, in particular, is the greatest agent of change and development I’ve ever had in my life."
Getty ImagesDenise Gough, actress, by James Norton, actor
"I presented Denise with her Olivier Award for Best Actress last year, for her role in People, Places And Things. There are so many wonderful actresses coming through right now, and I would love to work on a project with her."
BBCClaire Clark, chef, by Tom Kerridge, chef
"Claire has risen to the top of the catering industry thanks to passion, drive and knowledge of ingredients. This is what separates her from other world-class pastry chefs. She doesn’t just focus on technique; she is driven by flavour, seasons and nature. Claire has run some of the world’s best pastry kitchens. I’m so proud to have worked with her, but I’m even more proud to call her my friend."
Getty ImagesJo Malone, entrepreneur, by Joe Wicks, fitness coach
"Jo Malone is one of my heroes – I look up to her and what she’s achieved. She’s built two of the biggest British brands – you go anywhere in the world and people know Jo Malone and Jo Loves. I was on a panel with her last year, and just to be at the same event as her blew me away. She is so down to earth and focused on her objectives, but has respect for everybody around her while doing so. That’s what makes her such a brilliant woman."
Instagram / @martha_kinnMartha Kinn, Years & Years manager, by Olly Alexander, lead singer
"My admiration for Martha knows no bounds. She’s fearless, caring, passionate and incredibly talented. She works the hardest in the Years & Years camp without a doubt. She’s a force of nature."
Getty Images / PAMichelle Obama, former First Lady, by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
"Whether it was using her platform as First Lady to speak about education on the world stage, or on The Late Late Show With James Corden doing Carpool Karaoke, Michelle Obama’s eight years in the White House were an illustration of how to live life and raise a family in the public eye with dignity and grace."
Getty ImagesHolly Branson, philanthropist, by Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group
"Last year, I took part in the Virgin Strive Challenge with my daughter, Holly, and it was the toughest mental and physical challenge of our lives. We travelled from the Matterhorn in the Alps to the summit of Mount Etna, cycling, swimming and hiking in gruelling conditions. We were determined to succeed and raise much-needed funds for Big Change – a charity set up by my children, Holly and Sam – which helps young people thrive in life. Holly was by my side throughout and never ceased to amaze me. Not only was she taking part but also travelling with her two children, Etta and Artie. Every day, when the teams got to base, she would make sure she fitted in the bedtime routine – baths, cuddles, stories –before rushing back for a briefing for the next day’s challenge. As a strong, courageous female leader and mum, she really is an inspiration. She has so many of the traits I’ve always admired in my mother, Eve. Holly is definitely a chip off the old block!"
Getty Images / Instagram @nikkitibbleswildatheartNikki Tibbles, florist, by David Gandy, model
"My vote for an inspirational, strong and determined woman would be my friend Nikki Tibbles. Not only is she a true visionary in the world of floristry – founding the sought-after Wild At Heart florist’s, creating beautiful arrangements and events – but she has also launched the Wild At Heart Foundation, supporting animal welfare worldwide."
Getty ImagesCerisse Yates, social worker, by Reggie Yates, DJ, actor and presenter
"My big sister is an amazing mother of four and an inspiration, proving working mums don’t get the credit they deserve. She’s gone from bossy older sister to being the blueprint of the kind of parent I aspire to be one day."
Instagram / @OllymursFay Hunt, receptionist, by Olly Murs, singer
"The woman I admire the most is also the funniest person I know: my sister, Fay. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her – she’s got a big heart and she is a great friend."
Getty ImagesEllen DeGeneres, comedian and TV star, by James Corden, comedian, presenter and writer
"I’ve chosen Ellen because I find her positivity and outlook so uplifting. She is warm and welcoming and her work excludes no one. She has an incredible way of making her audience feel like they are friends hanging out, and that’s not easy to do. She’s a true role model – the world would be a better place with a few more Ellens out there."
Getty ImagesKatie Grand, stylist and editor-in-chief of LOVE, by Giles Deacon, fashion designer
"My long-time friend and collaborator Katie Grand has risen from launching Dazed & Confused magazine with Rankin and Jefferson Hack to working on her own magazine, Pop, and then LOVE, yet has always found the time for me when I’ve been designing collections. None of what I’ve done would be the same without Katie’s inimitable input."
