Inside the 18th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards

Essence held its 18th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in Los Angeles.

About the 18th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards

Hosted by producer and star of Prime Video’s Cross, Aldis Hodge, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood® Awards celebrated the women who are transforming the television and film industry with their stories, impact and undeniable influence.

Aldis Hodge (Getty Images for ESSENCE)

Honorees

This year’s honorees included Cynthia Erivo, Teyana Taylor, Marla Gibbs, Industry veteran, Raamla Mohamed, executive producer of Reasonable Doubt.

Tyra Banks was also awarded the inaugural ESSENCE Luminary Spotlight, recognizing her “journey of resilience, longevity, and significant impact on the industry”. She addressed her commitment to evolving and creating new opportunities to expand visual storytelling for Black women.

Each honoree received heartfelt presentations that highlighted the depth of their careers in the entertainment industry, featuring remarks from Issa Rae (honoring Raamla Mohamed), Niecy Nash-Betts (honoring Teyana Taylor), Keke Palmer (honoring Cynthia Erivo), and Tichina Arnold (honoring Marla Gibbs). 

Surprise guest

The event opened with a surprise from Joy Reid. After attendees erupted in a round of applause, the political correspondent spoke about how she’d just experienced a “break-up” in reference to her departure from MSNBC. Reid also emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion within storytelling and society.

Tribute to Los Angeles fire victims

Jotaka Eaddy, founder of Win With Black Women, also led a tribute for those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires and celebrated the residents of Altadena and Pasadena, Calif.

How to watch the 18th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards

The star-studded event featured attendees such as Taraji P. Henson, Zoë Kravitz, Tyla, Lori Harvey, Natasha Rothwell, Loretta Devine, Coco Jones, Meagan Good, Tia Mowry, Jodie Turner-Smith, Danielle Brooks, Marsai Martin and more.

The awards ceremony pre-show will premiere on ESSENCE’s YouTube channel on Monday, March 3rd at 7PM EST with the show to follow at 8PM EST.

Check out some photo highlights from the event.