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ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood luncheon celebrated women shaping film and television, honoring figures such as Kerry Washington and LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
Photographer Tomás Herold captured striking VIP portraits of stars including Zendaya and Coco Jones.
The exclusive portrait gallery showcases filmmakers and actors, featuring moments with Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Delroy Lindo, and more.

Photo Credit: Tomás Herold

The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event is available to stream on ESSENCE’s YouTube starting Saturday, March 14: Watch Here

The 19th Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood ceremony placed a well-deserved spotlight on the women shaping film and television today. Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the luncheon honored Chase Infiniti, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Zinzi Coogler, and Kerry Washington while bringing together a wide range of talent from across the industry.

Beyond the program inside the ballroom, the celebration extended into the ESSENCE VIP Portrait Studio, where many of the day’s guests stepped in front of the camera. Photographer Tomás Herold captured striking portraits of actors, filmmakers, and creatives who gathered for the occasion. Faces such as Zendaya, Coco Jones, Ryan Coogler, and Delroy Lindo stopped by, along with the women of Sinners, including Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, and Ruth E. Carter.

Take a look inside our exclusive studio and see the moments that stood out.