Photos: Glamour's Women of the Year Award Gala: Iconic Ladies on Red Carpet (PHOTOS)

By Sanskrity Sinha | Nov 09, 2011 02:54 AM EDT

Glitz, glamour and prominent women graced the 21st annual Glamour Magazine Women of the Year award ceremony in New York on Monday.

Actress Jennifer Lopez, who stunned the audience in an Atelier Versace gown with a thigh-high slit, was honored with Glamour's Woman of the Year award, while former U.S. first lady Laura Bush and comedienne Chelsea Handler were awarded for their contribution in politics and entertainment.

The Glamour Women of the Year award honors eminent women from various fields who have had their impact on societies across the world.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice praised Bush and her daughters as she presented the award to the former U.S. first lady.

"They are giving a voice to women who otherwise might not have one. They personify the belief that every woman's life has potential,” said Rice.

Lopez, who was recently in news for her turbulent marriage followed by her separation from ex-husband Marc Anthony, was overwhelmed as she received the award and spoke of her grandmother and other women in her life who helped her through tough times.

Apart from the U.S., the other women awarded during the gala included Egyptian activist Esraa Abdel Fattah, who was praised for being a crucial part of the Arab Spring movement in Egypt. Many more prominent women attended the ceremony, including actress Jessica Alba, Kerry Washington, Lea Michele, Emma Stone, feminist Gloria Steinem and Huffington Post founder Arianna Huffington, to name a few.