At the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood event in Los Angeles, many famous stars walked the blue carpet before the show started. The event took place at the Fairmont Century Plaza and celebrated powerful Black women in film and television. It was hosted by Marsai Martin, and some of the honorees included Kerry Washington, Chase Infiniti, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Zinzi Coogler, along with a special spotlight for the women of Sinners.
The theme for this year’s event was “Off Script,” which focused on Black women taking control and shaping their own stories in the entertainment industry. Before the awards began, everyone had their moment shining on the blue carpet.
