The 2024 Star-Studded Red Carpet Event and ESSENCE Hollywood House will Take Place on March 7-8 in Los Angeles OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network Set to Broadcast Awards Ceremony and Stream on Max

(Black PR Wire) LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, ESSENCE announces the illustrious honorees for the 17th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, set to take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This year’s entertainment industry trailblazers include Academy Award nominated actress & Grammy Award winner, Danielle Brooks, six-time Grammy nominated singer and leading-actress, Halle Bailey, acclaimed screenwriter & showrunner of All American, All American: Homecoming and Found, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and industry powerhouse & President of Original Programming for STARZ, Kathryn Busby. Hosted by celebrated actor, Grammy Award winning rapper and entrepreneur, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, the highly anticipated event returns to Los Angeles to recognize women who are making their undeniable mark in film and television and amplifies their strides in defining what it means to be a Black woman in Hollywood.

Through the lens of cinematic achievements, the 2024 awards ceremony will honor and explore the multifaceted strength that defines the essence of Black women, emphasizing their role as pillars of resilience and determination even in the face of industry-challenges inspiring this year’s theme of “Radiant Power” – spotlighting the strength, grace, and influence of Black women in the television and film industry amidst the 2023 turmoil marked by the writers’ and actors’ strike. The awards ceremony, produced by Essence Studios and Red Summer TV, will air on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and stream on Max/discovery+ (date/time to be announced). This one-hour primetime special will showcase an inside peek into the pre-Oscar event celebration featuring red carpet arrivals, highlights from the awards ceremony and exclusive celebrity interviews. The 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards is sponsored by Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar and smartwater®.

“The intersection of joy and justice is where community thrives. We don’t ever need to diminish our collective power and accomplishments; due to the work we are still doing to exist equitably. The past year tested this intersection within one of our most sacred cultural realms, when the entertainment industry faced the gridlock of stakeholder value and WORTH. Livelihoods and legacies were at-risk as the fight for economic inclusion mandated resolution. In parallel, the assets that the industry creates as a direct infusion of joy that propels our community through the depth and breadth of life, were stagnated as a clear and just outcome stayed uncertain. While parts of the incongruence have stabilized, there is still significant work to be done to create sustainable change. As we sit in the current moment, ESSENCE will maintain its steadfast commitment to uplift those that continue to offer their craft and skill as a lifeline of optimism and hope. So adjacent to the ongoing work to democratize wealth, we stand unapologetic about celebrating the Black women within the industry that are the purveyors of the cinematic nutrients that nourish our spirits and souls. As we have for nearly two decades, we will illuminate Black Women in Hollywood that define the entertainment culture the world savors, pursue and attain equity that the establishment tries to withhold, and commemorate the achievements they have attained that continually un-stick floors, un-break ladders, and un-glass ceilings, as the Chief Executive Officer of home, culture and community rightfully deserves,” said Essence Ventures President and CEO, Caroline Wanga.

ESSENCE will continue its celebration of Black film & television luminaries at the fifth annual ESSENCE Hollywood House, which will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024 at 3322 La Cienega Place in Los Angeles. “Scripting Reel Change,” marks this year’s theme, which focuses on equipping the community with the tools needed to come up with innovative solutions to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential within the entertainment industry. The experience for aspiring filmmakers, actors and TV & film enthusiasts sponsored by Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar and smartwater®, will include a day of networking, mentoring and skill-building to educate and inspire the community, while highlighting the vast spectrum of Black excellence. Industry thought leaders, executives and celebrities will take part in thoughtful programming including fireside chats, panel discussions, speed mentoring sessions, and more, providing attendees with real-life action plans for growth within the industry. Los Angeles based attendees can register at: ESSENCE.com/HollywoodHouse2024 and virtual attendees can stream the festivities live on ESSENCE.com, X, Facebook and YouTube.

ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and ESSENCE Hollywood House are produced by ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

Essence Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture.

ABOUT ESSENCE VENTURES

A multi-faceted ecosystem that uplifts the Global Black experience through frictionless, borderless economic advancements at the intersection of community and culture, Essence Ventures is a member of the Sundial Group of Companies and is the parent company for Essence Communications, Inc., AFROPUNK, Beautycon and Essence Studios.

Source: ESSENCE Communications Inc.