Megan Suri, Avantika Vandanapu and Amita Rao lead a heartfelt salute to the global icon, and her husband’s video message steals the night.
Los Angeles, October 16, 2026
Some awards are about the trophy. This one was about the people in the room. On October 15, Priyanka Chopra Jonas was honoured with the Woman of Impact award at the InStyle Imagemaker Awards in Los Angeles. The award, presented by Eucerin Radiant Tone, recognises a talent who uses their influence to drive meaningful change in their industry. The night had a bit of everything: a rising-star trio, a surprise video from Nick Jonas, a stunning pink outfit and a cheeky comment that had the room laughing.
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Three Rising Stars, One Big Salute
Presenting the award were Avantika Vandanapu, Amita Rao and Megan Suri, three young South Asian actresses who are building their own careers in the path Priyanka cleared. The choice of presenters said it all. Each of them spoke about her impact on a career that spans both Bollywood and Hollywood.
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Megan Suri gave the line of the night. She said Priyanka is not the exception for many Indian women, but the entire example of how high they should dare to dream and how much they can achieve, even and especially in spaces not designed for their success. She also added a much more casual, very Gen Z tribute that will not go unnoticed on social media.
Amita Rao got sentimental, recalling that she had memories of watching Priyanka before she even knew what acting was. Avantika Vandanapu closed the tribute with a call for artists and activists to build on Priyanka’s legacy of reimagining creative conviction and moral ambition, hoping for generations of the diaspora to carry it forward.
Nick Jonas Crashes the Party, Virtually
Then came the surprise. Nick Jonas appeared on screen in a video tribute for his wife of eight years. He explained he could not be there in person because he was on tour with his brothers and about to go on stage. Otherwise, he said, he would have been there suited and booted, cheering her on.
He did not hold back. He admitted he was a touch biased, then called her a global icon, a force of nature, a groundbreaking advocate, ally, philanthropist and entrepreneur.
But the most touching part came next. Nick said that what he was proudest of was who she is as a mother, daughter, friend, sister and wife, and a rock-solid support system for him, their daughter Malti Marie and everyone who orbits her universe.
He ended with a moment that struck a chord with the audience. His favourite thing, he said, is watching women come up to Priyanka and tell her that seeing her on screen made them feel seen, less alone and like they belong in a world that often tells them not to stand out. He praised her humility and grace, her work with UNICEF and beyond, and closed with “I’m so proud of you and I love you.”
Priyanka’s Reply: Funny First, Then Powerful
Wearing a sculptural pink and gold two-piece from Matières Fécales’ spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection, Priyanka took the podium to a warm reception. She opened with a playful jab at her husband’s timing, pointing at the screen and joking about him dropping heartfelt gems at the exact moment he was getting ready to perform. It was classic Priyanka: quick, self-assured and not afraid to tease the man who had just poured his heart out.
Then she turned reflective, calling the moment surreal. She thanked her community and her “chosen family,” and she was clear about what impact means. It takes courage, she said, tremendous courage. It does not happen overnight, and it requires finding something inside you that lets you wake up every day and fight that fight. In her words, that courage would not exist without community.
Why This Award Matters
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has long been described as a barrier breaker for South Asian women in Hollywood. Her career started in Bollywood and crossed over to American television and film, and that path has become a reference point for a new generation. The fact that three younger South Asian actresses presented the award shows how that legacy is being passed on in real time.
The Woman of Impact honour also puts the spotlight on her off-screen work. It is not only about roles and red carpets, but also about advocacy and philanthropy, including her association with UNICEF, which Nick specifically mentioned.
What This Means for Everyone Involved
For Priyanka Chopra Jonas: The award strengthens her position as more than an actress. It frames her as an influential voice in global entertainment, which matters when producers, brands and advocacy groups decide whom to partner with. Expect her to be invited to more panels, summits and conversations about representation and women’s leadership.
For Avantika Vandanapu, Amita Rao and Megan Suri: Being chosen to present an honour to Priyanka puts all three in a flattering spotlight. Their speeches were widely quotable, and moments like this tend to help young actors build visibility beyond their own projects.
For Nick Jonas: The surprise tribute added a very human touch to the night and showed once again that the couple’s partnership is a major part of both their public images. Fans love moments like this, so it will keep the “couple goals” conversation alive, even while he is busy on tour with his brothers.
For South Asian representation in Hollywood: Perhaps the biggest consequence is symbolic. When a mainstream fashion and culture platform like InStyle recognises a South Asian actress for impact, it signals that these stories and careers are no longer treated as niche. Younger actors can point to Priyanka’s journey as proof that a global career is possible, and the industry gets a reminder that audiences want to see themselves on screen.
For the future: Awards like this often lead to more opportunities for projects that centre underrepresented voices. Priyanka’s call for courage and community also sets a tone for how she may choose to use her platform going forward, though she did not announce any specific new plans at the ceremony.
The Social Media Verdict
Fans are already celebrating the evening online, and three moments are likely to be shared the most: Megan Suri’s tribute, Nick Jonas’s heartfelt video and Priyanka’s funny comeback to her husband. It is the kind of night that works for everyone, with a serious message about impact, a bit of glamour and a husband-and-wife exchange that feels real.
The Bottom Line
At the InStyle Imagemaker Awards, Priyanka Chopra Jonas was celebrated not just for what she has achieved, but for the doors she has opened. Three young actresses thanked her, her husband praised her from the road, and she answered with humour and a reminder that real impact takes courage and community. For a global icon who has spent years breaking barriers, the Woman of Impact award feels less like a finish line and more like a spotlight on the road she has built for others.
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