The Women Of Hollywood Reveal Who Inspired Them

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ELLE
, together with presenting sponsors Calvin Klein Collection and L'Oréal Paris, and supporting sponsor David Yurman, brought together Hollywood's most esteemed women as well as an extraordinary group of the best and brightest talent for the annual sit-down dinner celebrating women achievements in film.

There was an atmosphere of support and love in the air as the stars opened up to ET about who inspired them in their careers.


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Melissa McCarthy was one of the celebrated guests of the night, and she said she was inspired by any woman who was told she couldn't do something, and then did it anyway.

"Jane Fonda, when she started producing," McCarthy said. "I just love anyone that pushes the boundaries."

"There's a lot of actors and actresses that inspired me," said Inception's Marion Cotillard. "It's kind of hard to pick just one… When I was a kid I loved Greta Garbo, so she might have inspired me."


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The legendary Cybill Shepherd, who has been an inspiration for many young actresses in Hollywood, said she was influenced by the filmmakers she spent a lot of time with.

"Well, of course Orson Welles, because he was my house guest on and off for years at a time. Stella Adler, and also just all the people I got to meet. John Cassavetes, Howard Hawks, all these great directors and great actors," Shepherd said. "I remember meeting Gregory Peck and almost, like, fainting."

Check out the video for more from the stars at Elle's Women In Hollywood celebration.

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