Essence once again celebrates the Black women shaping film and television. Both on and behind the scenes. Among those honored were Chase Infiniti, Kerry Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Zinzi Coogler. On March 12, Black Hollywood gathered in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza. They also included a Luminary Spotlight. Recognizing the women behind Sinners: cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapow, production designer Hannah Beachler, costume designer Ruth E. Carter, hair designer Shunika Terry-Jennings, and co-stars Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson.
What it Brings
The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards remains a light during the long and unrewarding awards season for Black talent. It gives Black female artists the recognition they deserve. Creating a welcoming, friendly, and rejuvenating atmosphere for those in attendance. It serves as a reminder to Black women to take up the space they deserve. While leaving a path for those behind them to follow.
The Host and Rising Star Award
Kicking off the event was host Marsai Martin, a young multi-hyphenate known for her work on ABC’s hit show “Black-ish.” R&B singer/actor Tyrese also serenaded the crowd with a version of his hit “Sweet Lady.”
Teyana Taylor presented her co-star of One Battle After Another, Infiniti, with the Rising Star Award. It was after Infiniti graduated from college in 2022 that she quickly booked her role in Presumed Innocent before bursting into the scene as Willia in the film. She thanked her fellow Black actors who have come before her, mentioning Taylor, Regina Hall, and Ruth Negga as mentors. She says, “My career, though it’s just starting, has been marked by the generosity and mentorship of other Black women who have paved this path for me.”
Honoring Latanya Richardson Jackson
Jurnee Smollett took the stage to introduce her godmother, actor and director Richardson Jackson, with the legacy award. She mentions her godmother’s philanthropy and behind-the-scenes generosity. Richardson Jackson gave a moving acceptance speech. “God put a light inside all of us, and the light is for you to shine,” she continues, “You don’t need to chase the shiny thing- you are the shiny thing!”
Honoring Kerry Washington
Washington was recognized for her acting, producing, and activism by her “UnPrisoned” co-star Delroy Lindo. During her acceptance speech, Washington reflected on her first time being honored at Black Women in Hollywood in 2012. It was a pivotal and remarkable moment in her career. At the time, she had just taken on the role of Olivia Pope in ABC’s “Scandal,” which she portrayed from 2012 to 2018, making history as the first Black woman to lead a network drama in nearly 40 years.
Honoring Zinzi Coogler
Coogler led the speeches and spoke about the journey many take that can be lonely at times. She received the Visionary Award. She said during her acceptance speech, “Today we stand in a community that is deep and wide. There’s space for all of us… Your future contributions are so necessary. Your brilliance, beauty, joy, and optimism are revolutionary. You are each a mirror for our community to see themselves. She continues, “It’s up to us to be the protectors of our stories, to keep them from being altered, removed, or rewritten. It is how we stay connected to our ancestors, our elders, and our children.”
Honoring the Women of Sinners
Mosaku, who earned her first Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress, had a similar message. She accepted a special tribute to the women of Sinners, presented by Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan.
“Sinners means many things to those of us who made it and to those who experienced it in the theaters,” she said. “At its heart, it is a love letter to our culture, to our ancestors, to the families who raised us, and to the communities that shape us. It reflects the beauty that lives within our resilience, the creativity born from our struggles, and the way our stories continue to carry truth, spirit, and power across generations.
It was while holding back tears, she added, “We all know the path for women in this industry is not always easy, and for Black women, or women of color, that path can be even steeper. But when we make spaces like this, how powerful it is that we are reminded we are not walking it alone.”
Closing Performance
For the final performance of the evening, singer Mya performed “Unbreakable.” Martin closed out the event, and people scrambled to catch up with one another and meet for the first time.
Continue to Honor
Being a Black woman in Hollywood is a hard road, but with events like this and others surrounding you, it makes it a little easier. From actors, musicians, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and personalities, there is nothing like the bond these women share. Seeing the love and respect they share, it’s no wonder that it is such a coveted event to attend.
