InPublishing: Cosmo Ultimate Women of the Year Award

Cosmopolitan says: Sponsored by Boohoo.com, the star-studded event took place at Banqueting House and was attended by guests including Tulisa, Kelly Rowland, Amanda Holden and Olly Murs.

With three number one singles and a number one album under her belt, Jessie J was crowned ‘Ultimate UK Music Star’. Kelly Rowland scooped the award for ‘Ultimate TV Personality’. Kelly has enjoyed phenomenal success as a new judge on The X Factor, becoming one of the country’s most talked about personalities. She has offered real compassion for all the contestants, as well as showcasing her undisputable experience and knowledge of the music industry. Fashion favourite Daisy Lowe, took home the ‘Ultimate Style Queen’ Award, whilst ’Ultimate TV Actress’ gong went to Lauren Socha of Misfits fame. The ‘Ultimate Newcomer’ Award was presented to Michelle Dockery, famed for her role in Downton Abbey.

Also picking up awards on the night were Amanda Holden who won ‘Ultimate Theatre Star’ following her recent stint in Shrek: The Musical. Caitlin Moran was honoured with the ‘Ultimate Writer’ Award, and heartthrob favourites JLS scooped the ‘Ultimate Men of the Year’ Award.

The ‘Ultimate Icon’ Award went to female punk rock legend Debbie Harry, as a credit to her outstanding contributions to the music industry over the years - the award was presented by pop icon Kylie Minogue.

The awards also celebrated the remarkable stories and achievements of the nation’s real life women, including Lisa and Louise Hawker who won the coveted ‘Ultimate Editor’s Choice’ Award. After their sister Lindsay Hawker was murdered in Japan in 2007, Lisa and Louise flew to Japan to help raise awareness of the police hunt, focusing their efforts on bringing justice to their sister. The ‘Ultimate Campaigner’ Award went to Kristin Hallenga, the inspirational young woman behind the charity Coppafeel! Fighting her own personal battle with Cancer, Kristin set up the charity to encourage other young women to take their own precautions to arm against breast cancer.

Also collecting an award on the night was Gemma Dowler, for ‘Ultimate Family Girl’. Gemma has been the glue that has held her family together since her sister Millie’s death. Helping her family through the widely publicised trial, she saw Levi Bellfield charged and jailed for Milly’s killing in 2010. With Gemma’s unwavering support the family have since made an effort to move on with their lives.

Gemma says of her award: “Firstly I would like to thank Cosmo and the team for nominating me for this award. Although, so far, this has been the worse year of my life, Cosmo have given me something to look forward to. I can now begin to rebuild my life as a 25-year-old woman, and draw a line under the traumatic past years I have had. This award marks the beginning of what I feel like is a new start for me.

My friends and family have been fantastic - a real rock for me through all of the ups and downs! Hopefully now I can slowly begin to remember some of the good times that I had with my beautiful sister Milly and those memories will give me strength to carry on and enjoy my life”

The real-life winners were selected by a panel of high profile judges - Cosmopolitan editor Louise Court, Cosmopolitan’s agony aunt Irma Kurtz, Karren Brady, Myleene Klass, Reggie Yates and Jessica Ennis,and of course host Fearne Cotton.

Cosmopolitan's Editor, Louise Court commented, “It always amazes me to hear the stories of these extraordinary individuals – we receive so many remarkable nominations for the real life awards, and this year we really feel that the lives and stories of our winners are exceptional.”

The Cosmopolitan Ultimate Women of the Year Awards 2011 sponsored by Boohoo.com, celebrates Cosmopolitan’s core mission – to inspire women to ‘Be The Best They Can Be’. Reflecting Cosmopolitan’s brand pillars, they are the only awards to combine celebrities with real-life winners and truly recognise inspirational women.