Some of the most inspiring stars in Hollywood came together in Los Angeles on Thursday to celebrate the 16th anniversary of The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards.
The highly coveted event, which recognizes the achievements of Hollywood’s most inspiring Black women, featured Viola Davis, Yara Shahidi, Quinta Brunson, Chinonye Chukwu, Daniel Kaluuya and Ryan Coogler as presenters.
This year’s luncheon, hosted by Boris Kodjoe, recognized Women King director Gina Prince-Bythewood as one of the honorees.
After she was introduced with a passionate speech from Viola Davis, Prince-Bythewood inspired the crowd with her own words. The celebrated director noted a quote from novelist Chinua Achebe.
Tara Duncan, the President of Freeform and Onyx Collective, was also among the recipients at this year’s event.
Actress Danielle Deadwyler, also accepting her ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honor, shared some advice for her fellow young actresses.
Actress Dominique Thorne, who starred in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was honored, as well as Sheryl Lee Ralph, who was presented by her Abbott Elementary co-star Quinta Brunson, also moved the crowd during her acceptance speech.
Many more notable figures attended Thursday’s star-studded event, including Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass, as well as stars such as Storm Reid, Marsai Martin, Niecy Nash-Betts, Lena Waithe, Larenz Tate and Beverly Johnson. Karrueche Tran, Teyana Taylor, Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Vivica A. Fox, Yaya DaCosta and Meagan Good also attended the prestigious awards show.
Check out some photos below:
ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood will air on Monday at 7 p.m. ET on ESSENCEStudios.com and ESSENCE.com.
