LOS ANGELES - In a powerful showcase of resilience and creative ownership, the 19th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards returned to the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles this past Thursday. Guided by the 2026 theme "Off Script," the ceremony celebrated a generational cross-section of talent that is fundamentally reshaping the entertainment industry. Host Marsai Martin, now 21, presided over the high-energy afternoon, which combined emotional tributes with an uncompromising call for Black women to take full creative control of their narratives.
The event’s highest honors spotlighted both emerging forces and enduring legends. Chase Infiniti, the breakout star of Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another, was named this year's Rising Star. In a heartfelt tribute, Teyana Taylor—Infiniti’s co-star and a former honoree—highlighted the young actress’s "revolutionary spirit" and the grit required to land her debut feature role. The stage then turned to veteran excellence as Jurnee Smollett introduced her godmother, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, with the Legacy Award. Richardson Jackson’s acceptance speech served as a masterclass in longevity, emphasizing that a successful career is built on the twin pillars of hard work and relentless advocacy for Black creatives.
The ceremony continued to bridge the gap between icons and innovators as Delroy Lindo presented the Cultural Icon award to Kerry Washington. Lindo praised Washington’s dual impact as a performer and a producer who consistently builds infrastructure for other storytellers. Similarly, the Visionary Award was presented to Zinzi Coogler by Michael B. Jordan. As the founder of Proximity Media and a producer on the record-breaking SINNERS, Coogler was recognized for her "intentional leadership" in developing projects that achieve both critical acclaim and cultural resonance.
Related article - Uphorial Shopify
A significant highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Luminary Spotlight Award, which honored the collective brilliance of the women behind the film SINNERS. Introduced by filmmaker Ryan Coogler, the recognition celebrated the unified force of the film's cast and crew, including stars Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson, cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, and Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. The award underscored a central theme of the 2026 luncheon: that the most transformative work in Hollywood is currently happening through collaborative, female-led creative teams.
The celebratory atmosphere was punctuated by soul-stirring musical performances that drew standing ovations from the star-studded room. Tyrese Gibson brought a classic energy to the stage with a rendition of "Sweet Lady," while Grammy-winning artist Mýa delivered a high-octane performance to close out the event. As attendees—including Zendaya, Halle Bailey, and Sheryl Lee Ralph—spilled out of the ballroom, the message of the day remained clear: Black women in Hollywood are no longer just asking for a seat at the table; they are building the rooms themselves.
