The ‘Essence’ Black Women In Hollywood Awards Were Black Girl Magic On Full Display

Source: Leon Bennett / Getty

The 18th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards has always proudly and unapologetically celebrated the beautiful melanin populating the entertainment industry. However, this year’s event was particularly special given the recent anti-DEI attacks.

The star-studded event, held on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, celebrated the Black women making moves, shaking tables, and breaking barriers throughout the worlds of television and film.

This year’s honorees included 2025 Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo, singer-actress Teyana Taylor, legendary actress Marla Gibbs, and writer-executive producer Raamla Mohamed.

Moments We’re Still Talking About From The Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards

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Erivo, on the heels of a standout year with her critically praised turn in the box-office smash Wicked alongside Ariana Grande, was honored at the event by fellow actress Keke Palmer.

Taylor received her flowers from actress Niecy Nash-Betts, while Issa Rae took the stage and bestowed Mohamed with her award.

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Honoring the decades-long career of Gibbs was Tichina Arnold, who highlighted the actress’ groundbreaking and scene-stealing career in television for over 50 years.

Tyra Banks, who broke barriers in both the worlds of fashion and entertainment, was presented with this year’s Essence Luminary Spotlight Award. The inaugural award “recognized her journey of resilience, longevity, and significant impact on the industry,” per the outlet.

RELATED: Tyra Banks Stuns On Essence Beauty Cover, Hints At Possible Return To Modeling

Joy-Ann Reid Receives A Standing ‘O’ At The Essence Black Women In Hollywood Event

The surprise of the evening occurred when anchor and political correspondent Joy Reid opened the awards ceremony with a passionate speech about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Reid, who was ousted from MSNBC earlier this week after her show The Reid Out was abruptly canceled, expressed her appreciation for all of the outpouring of support she has received.

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“I have to say that I have never felt more enveloped and wrapped in the love of my people,” Reid said. “It makes me feel so full. My heart is full. I just love, love, love my people. And so I just want to thank everyone. I want to thank Win With Black Women, who held a 25,000-person Zoom call last Sunday, and just everyone who has shown me so much support.”

Founder of Women With Black Women, Jokada Eaddy, also made a moving tribute to the victims of the California wildfires. While speaking, she shed light on the minority communities of Altadena and Pasadena.

Other celebrities in attendance included Taraji P. Henson, Zoe Kravitz, Tia Mowry, Anthony Anderson, Storm Reid, Meagan Good, Danielle Brooks and Natasha Rothwell.

Fans can get an up-close look at the event on Monday, March 3. The awards pre-show will be posted to the official Essence YouTube channel.

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