Actor Sharon Stone, known for her role in *Basic Instinct*, has been nominated for the Women in Art Prize, now in its eighth year. The non-profit award exclusively honors women artists, and Stone began painting intensely during the Covid-19 lockdowns, holding her first solo gallery show at Allouche Gallery in Los Angeles in 2023. Other finalists among the 25 competing for 22 awards include painter Bianca Raffaella, who is registered blind, and Jenny Lewis, whose work addresses menopause. The prize also features the Paula Rego Painting Prize, created with the artist's estate to honor her influence on women in the arts. Winners will be announced at a ceremony at the British Library on 17 September, hosted by historian Amanda Foreman, with an exhibition at York Street Gallery in London from 16-24 September.
The nomination of a high-profile celebrity like Sharon Stone brings significant media attention to the Women in Art Prize, potentially amplifying its mission to support women artists in a field still grappling with gender inequality. The inclusion of the Paula Rego Painting Prize underscores the prize's commitment to legacy and mentorship, while the diverse roster of finalists—including an artist registered blind and one tackling menopause—highlights the prize's focus on inclusivity and underrepresented perspectives. This event matters as it not only celebrates women's artistic achievement but also challenges the art world's historical biases, using a high-profile platform to elevate serious contemporary voices.