Celebrities celebrate International Women's Day on Twitter

Celebrities, politicians and noted names are taking to Twitter to celebrate International Women's Day and bring awareness to its importance.

Celebrities urge world leaders to fight for girls and women

Leading the charge was Emma Watson, former "Harry Potter" star, a goodwill ambassador for UN Women and the face of the #HeforShe campaign to encourage men to support feminist causes. To celebrate the big day, Watson and Chirlane McCray -- activist and wife of NYC mayor Bill deBlasio -- turned the lights of the Empire State Building pink.

Look outside your windows at dusk! @Chirlane and I just turned the Empire State Building PINK! @HeforShe #IWD2016 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/pYrboITexa
— Emma Watson (@EmWatson) March 8, 2016

Among those taking a cue from Watson was "Last King of Scotland" star Forest Whitaker.

"Gender equality is a daily practice. It's about awareness and consciousness in everyday life." - @EmWatson #HeForShe #IWD2016 #artsweek
— Forest Whitaker (@ForestWhitaker) March 8, 2016

But Whitaker was far from alone, as International Women's Day proved to be a popular topic for big-name Twitter users.

Advancing the status of women and girls makes economies grow and nations more secure. It's the right-and smart-thing to do. #IWD2016 -H
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 8, 2016

Women must have full control over their reproductive health in order to have full control over their lives. #InternationalWomensDay
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) March 8, 2016

Thank you to all who are working so hard for Womens rights Internationally.
— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) March 8, 2016

Happy #InternationalWomensDay 😍
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 8, 2016

happy international women's day! ..... I mean week....... I mean month...... I mean year....... I mean life..... 💕
— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) March 8, 2016

Happy #InternationalWomensDay:
Feminism = Equality
Equality = Good for Women + Men!https://t.co/ukjQu58X4r
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) March 8, 2016

Happy #InternationalWomensDay 2 all my incredibly beautiful, talented, courageous, smart sisters out there! #URock! pic.twitter.com/XfUI6ozve5
— Kimora Lee Simmons (@OfficialKimora) March 8, 2016

Mom I wish you a beautiful International Women's Day ❤👸🏼😘 pic.twitter.com/8qbByZySzC
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 8, 2016

On #InternationalWomensDay, RT to say every girl should be empowered to
reach her potential. #IWD2016 pic.twitter.com/ZVewFrRnB9
— PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) March 8, 2016

Let us all today, collectively, reach to inspire just one life. #InternationalWomensDay
— Uzo Aduba (@UzoAduba) March 8, 2016

Ricky Gervais, at least, was anticipating the inevitable backlash:

It's #InternationalWomensDay. Don't embarrass yourself by asking why there's no international men's day. There is. Nov 19th. You're welcome.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 8, 2016

TODAY we celebrate WOMEN...all sizes shapes and colors..all religions, races and occupations..WOMEN ARE THE BEAUTY OF THIS PLANET..warriors!
— Kirstie Alley (@kirstiealley) March 8, 2016

#FelizDiaDeLaMujer #InternationalWomensDay
— Ricky Martin (@ricky_martin) March 8, 2016

Hoorah for Women! Hug the ones you love today. So grateful the world is half Women! https://t.co/SvOtRUZ37b
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) March 8, 2016

Celebrating #InternationalWomenDay w these two, bonding over a Solidarity Smoothie pic.twitter.com/5A8KBDYNZh
— ABFoundation (@ABFalecbaldwin) March 8, 2016

#PovertyIsSexist. That's why I just signed the letter for #IWD2016! And now so should you: https://t.co/AJblBpdaGb pic.twitter.com/aiHQk2EL5a
— Malin Akerman (@MalinAkerman) March 8, 2016

Hillary Clinton
Ariana Grande

Ned Ehrbar

Ned Ehrbar is an entertainment producer for CBS News.

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