The prestigious ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards for 2025 will honor an exceptional lineup of talent, including newly minted Academy Award nominee and Emmy-, Grammy-, and Tony-winning actress Cynthia Erivo from Wicked, the talented actress-director Teyana Taylor from A Thousand and One, Emmy-nominated industry veteran Marla Gibbs known for her role in 227, and Emmy-nominated creator, writer, and producer Raamla Mohamed of Reasonable Doubt. This 18th annual celebration is set to take place on February 27 in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, with the dynamic Aldis Hodge, producer and star of Prime Video?s Cross, as the event host.

Highlighting the overarching theme of this year’s event, titled “Scene and Unseen,” the leadership at Sundial Media Group and ESSENCE Ventures released a powerful statement that encapsulates their mission. They shared, ?Since the inception of the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, our goal has been to honor and uplift the remarkable creativity of Black women, both on-screen and behind the scenes within the television and film sectors. For almost two decades, this revered gathering has recognized extraordinary women who are paving the way for the upcoming generation of creative trailblazers. We are continually inspired by the immense talent and depth our honorees contribute to their respective crafts.?

In response to the devastating wildfires that have impacted Los Angeles, the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood initiative is actively collaborating with relevant organizations to support ongoing relief efforts. On February 28, ESSENCE will host its sixth annual ESSENCE Hollywood House: To Altadena With Love. This event is open to the public and pays tribute to the resilience of the neighborhoods affected by the wildfires, which have been home to numerous creative professionals in both television and film industries. Attendees can look forward to engaging panel discussions, a community resource hub, and valuable networking opportunities. For those interested in participating, more information and registration details can be found on the ESSENCE website.

Mark your calendars, as ESSENCE?s YouTube channel will feature the premiere of the awards ceremony pre-show on March 3. This exciting presentation will not only showcase red carpet arrivals and interviews with celebrities but will also unveil the recipient of the inaugural ESSIES? Choice Award: Presented by Diet Coke. This prestigious award, determined by fan votes, honors an emerging leader in the industry, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in recognizing new talent.