The biggest Oscar-week celebration of Black women in film and television is set to air on OWN for the third year in a row.
Airing Saturday, March 3 at 10 PM EST on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, the 11th annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood luncheon honors the accomplishments and influence of Black Panther star and award-winning playwright Danai Gurira, Emmy Award-winning writer and actress Lena Waithe, actress Tiffany Haddish and actress/activist Tessa Thompson.
While the star-studded celebration has remained a consistent standout amid the Oscar-week functions for over a decade, the recent restoration of ESSENCE to the shortlist of Black-owned, Black women-led companies in late 2017 by ESSENCE Ventures founder Richielieu Dennis gives this year’s event a special significance.
“As the modern feminist movement continues to gain prominence during Awards season, women are emboldened to not only speak up, but to stand together,” ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Vanessa De Luca said. “ESSENCE proudly salutes Lena, Danai, Tessa and Tiffany for being remarkable artists shining beyond the screen, and raising their voices to benefit all women.”
The 2018 Black Women in Hollywood luncheon will take place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, just ahead of the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4.