2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon Recap
Hollywood showed up in full force for the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, held Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles.
Hosted by actor and producer Marsai Martin, the annual luncheon brought together a packed room of industry leaders, rising stars, and cultural power players just days ahead of one of the biggest weekends in entertainment. Martin kept the energy high throughout the afternoon, surprising guests with comedy moments alongside her black-ish co-star Deon Cole, before Tyrese took the stage for an unexpected performance that quickly had the room on its feet.
Inside the room, Teyana Taylor honored Chase Infiniti, who spoke powerfully about the mentorship from Black women actresses that helped shape her early acting journey. Delroy Lindo celebrated former UnPrisoned co-star and two-time ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honoree Kerry Washington, while Jurnee Smollett delivered a tribute to LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who reminded the audience to “learn the language of the invisible so that your presence always speaks.”
Later in the program, Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler presented the Luminary Spotlight to Zinzi Coogler and the women of Sinners. With Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Hannah Beachler, Jayme Lawson, Ruth E. Carter, Shunika Terry-Jennings, and Wunmi Mosaku, together on stage to accept the honor. The room buzzed with several of the creatives shaping this year’s Oscars race with the Academy Awards just days away. After stepping off the stage, the Sinners ensemble shared a special moment with Academy Award–nominated filmmakers Geeta Gandbhir, Christalyn Hampton, and Alisa Payne.
Young Hollywood had a strong showing throughout the afternoon. Coco Jones posed with Zendaya, while Olandria joined Serena Page for photos. Kerry Washington also shared a moment with her “internet kids,” Tyriq Withers and Chase Infiniti, and Halle Bailey was spotted sitting with Regé-Jean Page ahead of their upcoming film, You, Me, and Tuscany. Mother-daughter duos including Kandi Burruss and Riley Burruss and Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ivy Coco stepped out for the celebration, alongside couples Ryan and Zinzi Coogler, Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington, DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo, Pinky Cole Hayes and Derrick Hayes, and Niecy Nash with Jessica Betts.
Additional guests included Tia Mowry, Cynthia Bailey, Garcelle Beauvais, Laverne Cox, Durand Bernarr, Aldis Hodge, Ryan Destiny, Natasha Rothwell, and Boris Kodjoe. The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood pre-show and luncheon will premiere in standalone specials on ESSENCE’s YouTube channel on Saturday, March 14, giving viewers an exclusive look at red carpet arrivals, honoree speeches, the reveal of the 2026 ESSIES’ Choice Award and inaugural Creators Choice Award presented by smartwater®, alongside a special musical performance from Mya.
