Essence magazine held its 6th annual Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon yesterday (Feb. 21). The event took place in Los Angeles, CA at The Beverly Hills Hotel, and had a theme that represented The Power of Our Presence. Oprah Winfrey herself was honored with the Power award.
On how it feels to receive the award, Oprah says: “It’s sort of superficial and surreal. It has nothing to do with your real life…. The way I look at it is like: OH, somebody saw that what I really felt I wanted to do, and be, and how I wanted to do that — the award is an acknowledgment that you’re on the right track.”
Other honorees included Alfre Woodard with the Vanguard award. Gabrielle Union with the Fierce and Fearless award. Mara Brock Akil with the Visionary award, Naomi Harris with the Lincoln Shining Star award, and Quvenzhane Wallis with the Breakthrough award.
Several guests hit the red carpet for the event, including Naomi Campbell, who opted for a flared, pleated dress, paired with Azzedine Alaïa strappy sandals. See video footage from the awards red carpet, and special highlights about the event below.
