From Hollywood to Home: Black Voices in Entertainment

Key takeaways

Inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award presented to Patti LaBelle, honored with Sheléa’s tribute; LaBelle accepted barefoot, adding warmth and humor.
Innovator Award given to Tyler Perry, who urged unity and emphasized protecting voting rights in a heartfelt acceptance speech.
Major honors included Bozoma Saint John, Kehlani, RZA, Meagan Good, Kirk Franklin and Justin Jones for leadership.
Dynamic performances energized the night: Chlöe opener, hip-hop freestyle from Yo-Yo, Da Brat and MC Lyte, plus powerful gospel closers.

The stars were out in full force Friday night to celebrate media icon Jason Lee and his Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards. Culture and community took center stage at the 6th Annual Hollywood event hosted once again by Emmy, GRAMMY and NAACP Award-winning comedian Tiffany Haddish. The evening blended inspiration, entertainment, activism and unforgettable musical moments into one powerful celebration of Black excellence.

The evening was marked by a long, star-studded red carpet adorned with chandeliers and fresh flowers, while inside the elegant The Beverly Hilton ballroom, guests were treated to stunning centerpieces and gorgeous tablescapes, with the celebration elevated even further by a full band led by music director Babyface.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Tiffany Haddish attends the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)

Before the first award was even presented, the experience had the audience on their feet as a few legendary guests were invited into an impromptu freestyle session. Hip-hop icons Yo-Yo, Da Brat and MC Lyte turned the ballroom into a hip-hop celebration while Chanté Moore and gospel powerhouse Jekalyn Carr stunned the room showcasing her remarkable vocal range. Kirk Frankin sprinted from his table to the band piano in a moment that had the room on their feet.

Executive produced by Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee alongside longtime friend and co-executive producer Rob Smith, the show opened with a show-stopping performance from Chlöe. Backed by dancers, dazzling choreography and elaborate costumes, rivaling any of her Grammy Awards stage shows.

Among the evening’s biggest honors was the presentation of the inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award to GRAMMY Hall of Fame icon Patti LaBelle. Presented by longtime friend Angie Martinez, the tribute included a dead-on performance from singer Sheléa before LaBelle graciously accepted the award — barefoot, in true Patti fashion — bringing warmth, humor and elegance to the moment.

Filmmaker and media mogul Tyler Perry received the Innovator Award, presented by actress Tika Sumpter. During his acceptance speech, Perry delivered heartfelt and timely remarks about unity, and the importance of protecting voting rights.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: RZA accepts the Culture Award onstage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)

Marketing executive, entrepreneur and author Bozoma Saint John was honored with the Pioneer Award, while GRAMMY-winning singer-songwriter Kehlani received the Fearlessness Award for her fearless journey navigating her sexuality, mental health journey and global politics.

Hip-hop icon and filmmaker RZA was honored with the Culture Award for his contributions to music, film and storytelling, and gospel legend Kirk Franklin was presented with the Inspiration Award, and of course gave us an impromptu performance, while actress, producer and entrepreneur Meagan Good received the Spirit Award from her longtime friend, actress and television personality Eva Marcille. Good thanked her family who were in attendance and thanked her husband, Jonathan Majors for all of his support. He was visibly moved, wiping away tears.

One of the evening’s most passionate and politically charged moments came when Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones accepted the Community Award from activist Tamika Mallory. Jones delivered a fiery and inspirational speech centered on civil rights and protecting democracy, reminding the audience that activism and community engagement remain urgent.

The evening also featured performances from rapper Joyner Lucas, Jekalyn Carr and gospel legends Donald Lawrence and Kierra Sheard, who closed the ceremony with a breathtaking rendition of “Total Praise” that brought the crowd to its feet.

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Joyner Lucas performs onstage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 05, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)

Celebs I was excited to see on the red carpet included Kathy Hilton, Chanté Moore, Yolanda Adams, Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, LisaRaye McCoy, Claudia Jordan, Ben Crump, Michael Jai White, Jeremy Meeks, DJ Vlad, Jonathan Cheban, Chanel Ayna, and Judge Mablean Ephriam.

Now six years in, the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards continues to grow into one of entertainment’s most culturally relevant celebrations — honoring not only celebrity achievement, but also activism, resilience, artistry and the voices shaping the future of Black culture.