Glamour's Women of the Year, Jennifer Lopez Scores Top Honor [PHOTOS]

The 21st annual Glamour's Women of the Year Awards ceremony took place at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Nov. 8.

Some of the most recognized women in the world today came out to celebrate girl power.

In attendance were Hollywood starlets Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Alba, and Emma Stone; along with political heavyweights Condoleezza Rice, Laura Bush and her two daughters, and Ariana Huffington and her two daughters.

Jennifer Lopez took the highest honor as Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year. Lopez also scored the cover of the magazine's Dec. issue, looking gorgeous as ever.

Lopez accepted her award with a speech that appeared to leave her on the verge of tears.

It's the women. Through the ups and the not so ups, that's the one thing that got me through, she told the audience.

My grandmother, who taught me to cook and not be afraid to serve and be humble. And to go out looking nice because people like that and then they respect you.

Lopez has hit many highs and lows this year - her judging on American Idol was a success, but her crumbled marriage to Marc Anthony was a very public failure.

We all felt a little overwhelmed tonight, Lopez said to Us Weekly afterwards.

Honoree Ariana Huffington spoke about how life may not always go your way, but in the end, it everything happens for a reason.

I was living in London and I had been dating this guy for 7 years. I wanted children, and he wanted cats. So I broke up with him and moved to New York, when I was 30. And everything I have in my life now -- my daughters, my site, my career -- I have because a guy wouldn't marry me, she said.

The biggest heartbreaks in life, that seem insurmountable: when you look back, you see that it was all for a reason.

This empowering message resonates with women around the world who might face obstacles and feel there is no brighter tomorrow to be had.

The awards ceremony recognized 21 inspiring and courageous women who have changed and still are changing the world each and every day.

Activists and professional change-makers were the highlight of the night, emphasized the Huffington Post.

Legendary women's rights activist Gloria Steinem was introduced by Anita Hill and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Facebook Girl Esraa Abdel Fattah was praised by actress Kerry Washington for her pivotal role in starting the Arab Spring movement in Egypt.

Former sex trafficking victim T was introduced by Newark mayor Cory Booker.

Gabrielle Giffords was honored by Diana Sawyer.

Signer Debbie Harry, 66, was honored at the event and performed as well.

Harry looked wickedly fierce. Wearing a stark white bob and a leather skirt, she showed women from all walks of life that age is nothing but a number.

Harry told Glamour, I feel like I made a lot of stupid, huge mistakes. But you have to make them while you search to find out who you are. Also, you have to be dedicated and love what you do. That's probably a good basic thing. You have to really make sure that you love what you do.

This was the 21st award ceremony by Glamour. Check out photos of some of the lovely ladies from the event.