Later in the program, Jurnee Smollett paid tribute to her godmother, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, who reflected on the responsibility Black women continue to carry. “Black women have always been the strength and the common denominator for our culture to hold it together,” Richardson Jackson told Vogue. “And we cannot drop that ball right now. We have to wake up and stay woke, but it means a lot of work.”
The room also reflected the intersection of culture and politics that has long defined the event. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett immediately received a standing ovation when cameras panned to her at the start of the ceremony. Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass were also in attendance, underscoring the broader impact of the gathering beyond Hollywood.
One of the afternoon’s biggest moments came when Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler presented the Luminary Spotlight to Zinzi Coogler and the women of Sinners. Autumn Durald Arkapaw, Hannah Beachler, Jayme Lawson, Ruth E. Carter, Shunika Terry-Jennings, and Wunmi Mosaku assembled on stage to accept the honor, drawing a wave of applause. (At one point, Vogue asked guests which project this year made them especially proud. To no one’s surprise, the answer echoed across tables was Sinners.)
The luncheon allowed Hollywood faces to connect across generations and allowed friends and collaborators the chance to catch up. Kerry Washington shared a warm exchange with Tyriq Withers and Chase Infiniti, whom she affectionately called her “internet kids.” Withers also leaned into the running joke that casts him as the ideal fictional son of Olivia Pope and President Fitzgerald. Halle Bailey was spotted chatting with Regé-Jean Page ahead of their upcoming film You, Me, and Tuscany. Reality television had strong representation in the room, with Love Island favorites Olandria, Serena Page, and Chelley Bissainthe spotted in the crowd along with Real Housewives of Beverly Hill’s’ Bozoma Saint-John and Garcelle Beauvais.
Family ties were front and center throughout the afternoon too. Mother-daughter duos including Kandi Burruss and Riley Burruss and Sheryl Lee Ralph and Ivy Coco attended together, while couples Ryan and Zinzi Coogler, Nnamdi Asomugha and Kerry Washington, DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo, Pinky Cole Hayes and Derrick Hayes, and Niecy Nash with Jessica Betts made their way down the blue carpet. Additional guests included Tia Mowry, Cynthia Bailey, Laverne Cox, Durand Bernarr, Aldis Hodge, Ryan Destiny, Natasha Rothwell, and Boris Kodjoe.
As the luncheon neared its close, Mýa delivered a performance that had the room on its feet once more. Speaking with Vogue, the singer shared that fans won’t have to wait much longer for new music. Her highly-anticipated next album will arrive in a few weeks, and she revealed she’ll also be heading out on tour with The Pussycat Dolls and Lil’ Kim. The announcement landed with an extra dose of nostalgia, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of the era-defining Y2K hit Lady Marmalade.
For those who missed the celebration in person, the pre-show and luncheon will premiere in standalone specials on Essence’s YouTube channel on Saturday, March 14, offering a closer look at the red carpet arrivals, honoree speeches, and musical moments. As the afternoon wrapped, the spirit and impact of the day was evident. Beyond the star power and awards season excitement, the event continues to be one of the industry’s most meaningful gatherings, honoring legacy while uplifting the next generation of talent shaping the future of Hollywood.