Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards 2025: A Celebration of Empowerment and Style
Image credits: Robin L Marshall/Getty Images for ESSENCE
The 2025 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards was a night to remember, as it brought together some of the most talented and influential Black women in the entertainment industry. The event, which took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, was a celebration of empowerment, style, and sisterhood. This year's honorees included Marla Gibbs, Teyana Taylor, Cynthia Erivo, and Raamla Mohamed, who were all recognized for their outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.
The ceremony was hosted by Aldis Hodge, who played the role of a token male ally in the room, and featured a number of powerful speeches and performances. One of the highlights of the night was Cynthia Erivo's acceptance speech, in which she encouraged the audience to dream big and take up space. Erivo, who was honored alongside Teyana Taylor, Raamla Mohamed, Marla Gibbs, and Tyra Banks, began her speech by reading a quote that Essence posted shortly after her performance in "Wicked" hit theaters. The quote characterized her performance as a character that "speaks to the heart of every Black woman who has ever been judged and misunderstood and yet still, learned that her power was a gift all along." Erivo used her time to encourage the audience of Black talent, creatives, and executives to tap into their own power, saying "you weren’t insane when you were dreaming of being a superhero. You weren’t asking too much when you wanted to be seen for the lead." She also emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and self-love, saying "when you look at the mirror and the thought crosses your mind, if only for a fleeting moment, that you might be in possession of powerful magic, entertain that thought. Do not dismiss it, nourish it, because it’s free."
The event also featured a number of stunning fashion moments, with many of the attendees showcasing their personal style on the red carpet. Taraji P. Henson, who attended the event, opted for a low-cut, powder blue blazer mini dress with wide sleeves, which she paired with a pair of bright fuchsia Martha sandals by René Caovilla. The shoes, which feature a crystal-embellished buckle and a thick band on the upper, were a bold and eye-catching choice that elongated Henson's legs and stood out against the white carpet and green backdrop. Henson's shoe choice was just one example of the many stunning outfits that were on display at the event, which also included a number of other beautiful and elegant looks.
In addition to the fashion, the event also featured a number of powerful tributes and speeches. Niecy Nash Betts delivered a poetic tribute to her friend Teyana Taylor, lauding the multifaceted artist for her talent, resilience, and killer body. Tyra Banks also gave a tearful speech, in which she thanked her mom for encouraging her to pursue her dreams and sign a major modeling contract, despite the fact that she would be making 90% less than a model with a lower Q score. The event was a true celebration of Black women and their contributions to the entertainment industry, and it was clear that the attendees were all there to support and uplift one another.
Some of the notable attendees and honorees at the event included:
- Marla Gibbs
- Teyana Taylor
- Cynthia Erivo
- Raamla Mohamed
- Tyra Banks
- Keke Palmer
- Issa Rae
- Niecy Nash Betts
- Taraji P. Henson
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