16th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards Luncheon by Essence Honors Gina Prince-Bythewood, Tara Duncan, Danielle Deadwyler, Dominique Thorne, and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Pics)
On Thursday, March 9, ESSENCE, celebrated the 15th anniversary of its Black Women in Hollywood Awards. Â This event is highly coveted during awards season and recognizes the remarkable achievements of inspiring Black women who are contributing to diverse Black stories being told in the film industry.
ESSENCE commemorated this occasion by highlighting “The Black Cinematic Universe” and honoring luminaries such as director/screenwriter Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Woman King), Onyx Collective President Tara Duncan, actresses Danielle Deadwyler (Till), Dominique Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary).
Hosted by Boris Kodjoe, the star-studded affair took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza and included presenters such as Viola Davis, Yara Shahidi, Quinta Brunson, Chinonye Chukwu, Daniel Kaluuya, and Ryan Coogler.
Notable attendees from the film, television, fashion, and entertainment industry included Mayor Karen Bass, Storm Reid, Marsai Martin, Niecy Nash-Betts, Lena Waithe, Larenz Tate, Beverly Johnson, Karrueche Tran, Teyana Taylor, Tia Mowry, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Vivica A. Fox, Yaya DaCosta, Meagan Good, Amber Riley, Channing Dungey, Lisa Ann Walter, Chinonye Chukwu, Pearl Thusi, Tristan Wilds, and many more.