Courtesy Victor Arriola @victorarriolaphotography 
The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event is available to stream on ESSENCE’s YouTube starting Saturday, March 14: Watch Here
There’s a particular kind of electricity that >women shaping the entertainment industry are highlighted, affirmed and celebrated on their own terms. This year’s 19th program carried that same spirit: equal parts reverence, joy and cultural pride, with industry leaders >Marsai Martin wasted no time setting the tone. With the confidence of a seasoned emcee and the warmth that has made her Hollywood’s niece, Martin opened the show by greeting the crowd and acknowledging some of the notable faces seated throughout the room. When she shouted out Zendaya, the audience erupted. Ever the good sport, Zendaya leaned into the moment—holding up her hand to flash a sparkling wedding ring toward the cameras, confirming the rumours and sending the crowd into another round of cheers and laughter.
At one point in the program, the celebration paused to acknowledge the elected officials seated in the audience—an important reminder that the influence of Black women extends far beyond the entertainment industry. When Jasmine Crockett was recognized, the response was immediate, with guests rising to their feet in a thunderous standing ovation. The Texas congresswoman, who has quickly become one of the most visible and outspoken voices on Capitol Hill, smiled and waved as the applause washed over the room. Karen Bass was also acknowledged, drawing warm applause from the crowd. The moment served as a powerful reminder that the leadership and influence of Black women—whether in Hollywood, Washington, or city hall—continues to shape culture and policy alike.
Teyana Taylor presents rising actress Chase Infiniti during the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood ceremony.
Once the applause settled, the program quickly moved into its first tribute of the afternoon—honoring rising actress Chase Infiniti. The honor was presented by none other than Teyana Taylor, who took the stage with the confidence of someone who understands exactly what it means to build a career across multiple creative lanes. Taylor praised Infiniti’s breakout performance in One Battle After Another, describing the young actress as part of a new generation of artists arriving in Hollywood with both intention and fearlessness.
Infiniti, visibly moved, accepted the honor with the kind of humility that made it clear the moment wasn’t lost on her. The recognition marked an early milestone in what many in the room believe will be a long and influential career. If the applause inside the ballroom was any indication, the industry is already paying attention.
Next came one of the afternoon’s most heartfelt tributes, as Jurnee Smollett stepped forward to honor the incomparable LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Smollett spoke with deep admiration about Richardson Jackson’s decades of dedication to the craft, describing her as both a guiding light and an artist whose presence has elevated every stage and screen she has touched.
Richardson Jackson’s career stretches across theater, television and film, but one of her most historic moments came in 2022 when she became the first Black woman to direct a play by legendary playwright August Wilson on Broadway with the revival of The Piano Lesson. When Richardson Jackson took the stage, the room rose almost instinctively. Her remarks were thoughtful and reflective, emphasizing the responsibility artists have not only to pursue excellence, but to open doors for the next generation.
Delroy Lindo presents Kerry Washington during an emotional tribute to her career and leadership.
From there, the afternoon turned toward a tribute that felt as much like a full-circle moment as it did a celebration. Kerry Washington was presented with her honor by the legendary Delroy Lindo, her co-star from the Hulu series UnPrisoned. The two clearly share a genuine admiration for one another, and Lindo’s introduction felt less like a formal speech and more like a tribute between collaborators who deeply respect each other’s craft.
When Washington took the stage, she made sure to return that admiration. She thanked Lindo for the artistry he has poured into his work over the years, recalling how deeply she was inspired by his portrayal of “West Indian Archie” in Malcolm X, the sweeping biographical film directed by Spike Lee about the life of Malcolm X. Washington reflected on the character’s tragic fall from grace and the depth Lindo brought to the role, calling it one of those performances that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Washington’s own career has had a similar impact. From her iconic turn as Olivia Pope on Scandal to her work behind the scenes as a producer championing diverse storytelling, she has become one of the industry’s most influential creative voices. Her remarks centered on legacy—on buildingdecoding=”async” src=”https://media.essence.com/vxcjywbwpa/uploads/2026/03/VICTOR_BWIH2026_-36-scaled.jpg” alt=”RECAP: Inside The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Celebration” width=”400″ height=”500″ />Producer Zinzi Coogler is honored at the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon for her work with Proximity Media and the Women of SINNERS, celebrating her role in shaping inclusive storytelling on screen.
The afternoon ultimately culminated in one of its most anticipated tributes, when filmmaker Ryan Coogler and actor-producer Michael B. Jordan took the stage together to honor producer Zinzi Coogler and the Women of SINNERS. Their collaboration—spanning films like Fruitvale Station, Creed, and the global phenomenon Black Panther—has become one of the most influential creative partnerships in modern Hollywood.
Through Proximity Media, Zinzi Coogler has helped bring stories to life that balance cultural specificity with global scale, proving that authentic storytelling resonates across audiences.
The cast of Beyond the Gates celebrates after winning the fan-voted ESSIES’ Choice Award.
The celebration also included the announcement of the fan-voted ESSIES’ Choice Award, with nominees including Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, Beyond the Gates, Forever, and Reasonable Doubt, reflecting the vibrant ecosystem of Black storytelling flourishing across platforms and networks. In the end, Beyond the Gates took home the fan-voted honor. The CBS drama—developed with the backing of the NAACP and Procter & Gamble—has quickly become a standout in daytime television, recently entering its second season with more than 100 episodes already filmed.
And as if the afternoon needed any more star power, Grammy Award–winning singer Mýa later took the stage for a special performance that had the room swaying in their seats, bringing the celebration to a soulful close.
Grammy Award–winning artist Mýa delivers a special performance during the celebration.
By the time guests began filtering out of the ballroom, the feeling was unmistakable: nearly twenty years after its founding, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood remains one of the industry’s most meaningful gatherings—a space where Black women are not just recognized for their contributions, but celebrated as the architects of Hollywood’s most powerful stories.
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Author: Shelby Stewart
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