Essence Magazine’s highly anticipated 17th annual Black Women in Hollywood awards is set to pay tribute to the exceptional talents of Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and Kathryn Busby from Starz. This star-studded event, recognizing the outstanding contributions of Black women in the film and TV industry, will take place on March 7th at the prestigious Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The evening will be hosted by none other than actor, Grammy-winning rapper, and entrepreneur Cliff “Method Man” Smith.
These commendations come at a time when these exceptional women have been basking in well-deserved acclaim. Danielle Brooks, known for her Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning performance as Sofia in the musical adaptation of “The Color Purple,” has earned her first Academy Award nominations. Halle Bailey, half of the talented duo Chloe x Halle, celebrates her first solo Grammy nomination and has recently mesmerized audiences as Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” and young Nettie in “The Color Purple.” Nkechi Okoro Carroll strikes gold yet again as the showrunner of NBC’s hit series “Found,” and Kathryn Busby, as the president of original programming at Starz, has played a crucial role in the success of the “Power” franchise and the upcoming “Outlander” prequel “Blood of My Blood.”
The Essence Black Women in Hollywood awards ceremony, produced by Essence Studios and Red Summer TV, will be aired on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and streamed on Max/Discovery+. This one-hour primetime special will give audiences an exclusive glimpse into the glamorous pre-Oscar celebration, showcasing the red carpet arrivals, insightful interviews, and highlights from the awards presentation.
With the theme “Radiant Power,” this year’s event aims to honor the remarkable strength, grace, and influence of Black women as they navigate the entertainment industry. It serves as a beacon of hope, especially during the challenging times marked by the historic writers and actors’ strikes of 2023.
Essence Ventures President and CEO, Caroline Wanga, expressed her thoughts on this intersection of joy and justice, stating, “We don’t ever need to diminish our collective power and accomplishments due to the work we are still doing to exist equitably.” She acknowledged the struggle for economic inclusion and emphasized Essence’s commitment to uplifting Black women like Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and Kathryn Busby, who continue to inspire through their craft.
Caroline Wanga reiterated that celebrating these exceptional women is necessary, as they are the driving force behind the stories that nourish our spirits. She emphasized the importance of democratizing wealth and acknowledging the immense contributions Black women make within the industry.
As Essence Magazine, which has been a pillar in publication for over five decades, stands tall, the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements of these women. It symbolizes their continuous efforts to break barriers and challenge conventional norms.
In addition to the awards ceremony, Essence Magazine will be hosting the 5th annual Essence Hollywood House on March 8th. This event will provide a platform for aspiring filmmakers, actors, and film enthusiasts to convene for a day filled with fireside chats, panel discussions, and speed mentoring sessions. The theme for this year’s Hollywood House is “Scripting Reel Change,” and attendees can join in-person at 3322 La Cienega Place in Los Angeles. For those unable to attend physically, the event will be streamed live on Essence.com, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube.
Both the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards and Hollywood House are proudly produced by Essence Communications, Inc. and presented in partnership with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Smartwater.
For more information, please visit F5mag.com.