Essence Honors TLM Halle Bailey At Black Women In Hollywood

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Source: variety.com/2024/film/news/essence-black-women-in-hollywood-honorees-danielle-brooks-halle-bailey-1235898495/

Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Starz’s Kathryn Busby Named Essence Black Women in Hollywood Honorees (EXCLUSIVE)
OWN will air the ceremony in a primetime special that will also stream on Max and Discovery+

By Angelique Jackson


Danielle Brooks Halle Bailey Nkechi Okoro Carroll Katherine Busby Essence
Courtesy Images

Essence’s 17th annual Black Women in Hollywood awards will salute Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Starz’s Kathryn Busby.

The star-studded annual event celebrating Black women for their contributions to the film and TV business will take place on Thursday, March 7, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, hosted by actor, Grammy-winning rapper and entrepreneur Cliff “Method Man” Smith.

News of the special commendation comes amid a groundswell of acclaim for the quartet. In January, Brooks earned her first Academy Award nominations for reprising her Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning performance as Sofia in the musical reimagining of “The Color Purple.” Meanwhile, Bailey celebrated her first solo Grammy nomination — adding to her five previous nods as half of Chloe x Halle — wrapping up a year that saw her star as Ariel in Disney’s live-action “The Little Mermaid” and young Nettie in “The Color Purple.” On the TV side, Carroll struck gold (again) as the showrunner of NBC’s “Found,” which joins “All American” and “All American: Homecoming” in her lineup of hit shows. As president of original programming at Starz, Busby has overseen the continued expansion of the network’s successful “Power” franchise and green-lit the upcoming “Outlander” prequel “Blood of My Blood.”


‘Kung Fu Panda 4’ Star Jack Black on His Viral Britney Spears Cover and Singing With Danielle Brooks in ‘Minecraft’
The awards ceremony, produced by Essence Studios and Red Summer TV, will air on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and stream on Max/Discovery+. This one-hour primetime special will bring audiences inside the intimate pre-Oscar celebration by showcasing the red carpet arrivals, exclusive interviews and highlights from the awards presentation.

The 2024 event is themed “Radiant Power” to spotlight the “strength, grace and influence” of Black women as they navigate the entertainment business, particularly amid the turmoil of 2023’s historic writers and actors strikes.

“The intersection of joy and justice is where community thrives. We don’t ever need to diminish our collective power and accomplishments; due to the work we are still doing to exist equitably,” said Essence Ventures president and CEO Caroline Wanga in a statement announcing the honorees.

“The past year tested this intersection within one of our most sacred cultural realms, when the entertainment industry faced the gridlock of stakeholder value and worth. Livelihoods and legacies were at-risk as the fight for economic inclusion mandated resolution,” Wanga explained. “In parallel, the assets that the industry creates as a direct infusion of joy that propels our community through the depth and breadth of life, were stagnated as a clear and just outcome stayed uncertain. While parts of the incongruence have stabilized, there is still significant work to be done to create sustainable change.”

Bearing this in mind, Wanga affirms Essence’s commitment to uplift the efforts of Black women like Brooks, Bailey, Carroll and Busby, who “continue to offer their craft and skill as a lifeline of optimism and hope.”

She continued: “Adjacent to the ongoing work to democratize wealth, we stand unapologetic about celebrating the Black women within the industry that are the purveyors of the cinematic nutrients that nourish our spirits and souls.”

Like the magazine itself — which has been in publication for more than five decades — the Essence Black Women in Hollywood event, Wanga concluded, stands to commemorate these Black women’s achievements as they “continually un-stick floors, un-break ladders, and un-glass ceilings.”

In addition to the award ceremony, the magazine will host its 5th annual Essence Hollywood House for aspiring filmmakers, actors and TV & film enthusiasts on Friday, March 8. This year’s theme is “Scripting Reel Change” and the day-long program of fireside chats, panel discussions, speed mentoring sessions and more will take place in person at 3322 La Cienega Place in Los Angeles. Virtual attendees can stream the proceedings at Essence.com, X (formerly known as Twitter), Facebook and YouTube.

Both the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards and Hollywood House are produced by Essence Communications, Inc. and sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Smartwater.

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Source: www.essence.com/awards-events/red-carpet/black-women-hollywood/essence-honors-danielle-brooks-halle-bailey-more/

HOME • ESSENCE BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD
ESSENCE Honors Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Kathryn Busby, And Nkechi Okoro Carroll At Black Women In Hollywood
THE 17TH ANNUAL BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD AWARDS WILL BE HOSTED BY METHOD MAN.



BY SHELBY STEWART · UPDATED FEBRUARY 6, 2024
ESSENCE announced the honorees for the 17th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, slated to take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

This year, the spotlight will shine on Academy Award-nominated actress and Grammy Award winner Danielle Brooks, six-time Grammy-nominated singer Halle Bailey, industry powerhouse Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming for STARZ, and acclaimed screenwriter and showrunner of the All American series Nkechi Okoro Carroll. The ceremony will be hosted by actor, Grammy Award-winning rapper, and entrepreneur Cliff “Method Man” Smith.

The highly anticipated event returns to Los Angeles to recognize the remarkable achievements of Black women in the film and television industry, especially during the challenging year of 2023 marked by the writers’ and actors’ strike.

In a statement, Caroline Wanga, President and CEO of Essence Ventures, expressed the magazine’s commitment to celebrating Black women within the industry. “The intersection of joy and justice is where community thrives. We don’t ever need to diminish our collective power and accomplishments; due to the work we are still doing to exist equitably. The past year tested this intersection within one of our most sacred cultural realms, when the entertainment industry faced the gridlock of stakeholder value and WORTH. Livelihoods and legacies were at-risk as the fight for economic inclusion mandated resolution,” Wanga said. “In parallel, the assets that the industry creates as a direct infusion of joy that propels our community through the depth and breadth of life, were stagnated as a clear and just outcome stayed uncertain. While parts of the incongruence have stabilized, there is still significant work to be done to create sustainable change.”

Through the lens of cinematic achievements, the awards ceremony will highlight the strength, grace, and influence of Black women in the entertainment industry. This year’s theme “Radiant Power” is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of Black women, who continued to thrive even in the face of industry challenges.

“As we sit in the current moment, ESSENCE will maintain its steadfast commitment to uplift those that continue to offer their craft and skill as a lifeline of optimism and hope. So adjacent to the ongoing work to democratize wealth, we stand unapologetic about celebrating the Black women within the industry that are the purveyors of the cinematic nutrients that nourish our spirits and souls. As we have for nearly two decades, we will illuminate Black Women in Hollywood that define the entertainment culture the world savors, pursue and attain equity that the establishment tries to withhold, and commemorate the achievements they have attained that continually un-stick floors, un-break ladders, and un-glass ceilings, as the Chief Executive Officer of home, culture and community rightfully deserves,” Wanga continued.

Produced by Essence Studios and Red Summer TV, the ceremony honoring Brooks, Bailey, Busby, and Carroll will be aired on OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, with streaming available on MAX; date and time to be announced. The 2024 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards is proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar and smartwater®.

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Source: www.essence.com/bwih2024/

ESSENCE
BLACK WOMEN
IN HOLLYWOOD

The 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards is proud to celebrate this year's honorees, who have brought radiant power to the big and small screens through their work as film and television creatives. Leading the way with class, confidence and intentionality, these incredible women are shifting the global Black narrative and shattering every glass ceiling as masters of their craft both in front of and behind the camera.

From the boardroom to the box office, they've made magic happen through groundbreaking storytelling, while also setting the stage for a more inclusive and equitable Hollywood.

Tune in to the 17th Annual Black Women In Hollywood Red Carpet and Award Ceremony on Friday, March 15th, at 9/8c on OWN, and stream on Max.

MEET THE 2024 HONOREES

* HALLE BAILEY

“We’re powerful, we’re

strong, we’re amazing.”

Halle Bailey is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress whose career journey in entertainment continues to inspire girls and young women worldwide.

She first began chasing her dreams alongside her sister Chloe as one half of the dynamic R&B duo Chloe x Halle. Together, the sisters launched a YouTube channel when Halle was just 11 years old, which resulted in the now-viral cover of Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts.” The cover ultimately caught the attention of Beyoncé herself, who later signed the pair to her label, Parkwood Entertainment, in 2016. The duo has since released one EP and two critically acclaimed albums, both of which earned them Grammy nominations. Halle also released her debut solo single, “Angel,” in 2023, which earned her yet another Grammy nomination.

As the world is still reeling from the success of The Little Mermaid, Halle made her mark on yet another cultural classic with her portrayal of Nettie in the star-studded second film adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple in 2023. She also lent her vocal talents to three songs on the film’s original soundtrack.

With her magnetic stage presence, extraordinary vocal prowess, and commitment to breaking barriers in entertainment, Halle Bailey continues to solidify her status as a multifaceted star on the rise.


* DANIELLE BROOKS

“I can do the thing that I love

that’s been so healing to me.”

Danielle Brooks is an Oscar-nominated actress and Grammy Award-winning singer known for her powerful performances on stage and the screen.

Danielle first rose to prominence with her breakout role as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson in the Emmy-winning Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Her portrayal of the character brought nuance and humanity to the experience of navigating the challenges of life behind bars, earning her critical praise and multiple award nominations.

In 2015, Danielle earned her first Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in The Color Purple on Broadway, a performance that also earned her her first Grammy Award. Her portrayal of Sofia, a role made famous by Oprah Winfrey in the original film adaptation, garnered high praise for her soulful vocals and endearing stage presence.

In 2023, Danielle brought Sofia to life as only she can yet again in the second film adaptation of The Color Purple, delivering scene-stealing performances alongside one of the most star-studded casts of the year.

A consistent advocate for diversity, inclusion, and body positivity in the entertainment industry, Danielle has never hesitated to use her platform to lead by example for present and future generations. Through her craft, she continues to carve out an authentic legacy that will leave an indelible mark on the entertainment world for years.


* NKECHI OKORO CARROLL

“The thing that keeps me

strong is my certainty.”

Nkechi Okoro Carroll is a groundbreaking writer and producer with a creative eye and ear for inclusive storytelling that is second to none.

Nkechi completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before obtaining her master’s degree from New York University. She worked as an economist for the Federal Reserve for several years before pursuing a television career.

She landed a job as a staff writer on the acclaimed series Bones early in her career. She later lent her talents to various other popular shows, including The Resident, All American, and Rosewood. In 2019, she became a showrunner for All American, steering the show to new heights of cultural relevance and critical acclaim. Under her leadership, the show tackled timely social issues, including police brutality, mental health, gun violence, substance abuse, activism, racial profiling, and teen pregnancy. The show has repeatedly been applauded for handling these sensitive topics with thoughtfulness and integrity in a way that resonates deeply with viewers.

As she continues to shape the future of television, Nkechi Okoro Carroll remains a trailblazer, passionate advocate for equitable inclusion, and a visionary who inspires others to embrace their authenticity and share their stories with the world. With her talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to championing underrepresented voices, she continues to illuminate the way forward towards a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry in front of the camera and behind the scenes.


* KATHRYN BUSBY

“Give me a world that I haven't seen

before and that’s what excites me.”

Kathryn Busby is an award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and decorated executive who is President of Original Programming at STARZ.

A Harvard University graduate with over 25 years of experience leading production and development efforts across various platforms, including film, television, and music, Kathryn is a natural-born leader whose colorful career journey exemplifies what it means to operate at the highest levels of professional excellence consistently.

To date, her impressive resume includes work on a host of noteworthy projects, including Sex In The City The Movie, The Awakening of Malcolm X, Sundance Film Festival standout Max and Josh, Apple TV’s The Afterparty, Third Rock From The Sun, and a series based on Kirsten Chen’s novel, Counterfeit.

Before joining STARZ, where the current original programming slate features top trending shows like BMF, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, P-Valley, Power Book II: Ghost, and Power Book IV: FORCE, Kathryn held leadership positions like the Director of Comedy Development at Universal Television, Executive Vice President of Sony's Tristar Television, and Senior Vice President of Development for Sony Picture Networks.

Through her board appointments and career, Kathryn has continued to spearhead initiatives that impact real change as a longtime champion for diversity, equity, and representation in the entertainment industry.

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Halle Bailey covers the latest issue of Essence:

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Halle Bailey for Essence Magazine!

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Source: www.cinemablend.com/movies/halle-bailey-brought-back-barbicore-red-carpet-teyonah-parris-little-mermaid

Halle Bailey Brought Back Barbicore On The Red Carpet, While Teyonah Parris Went Full Little Mermaid
News
By Carly Levy published about 17 hours ago
Halle Bailey went Barbiecore and Teyonah Parris went Little Mermaid.


Teyonah Parris and Halle Bailey
(Image credit: Entertainment Tonight/Glambot)

Beauty shone brightly on the red carpet of the 17th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards. Talented Black A-listers were recognized for their talent and incredible gorgeous fashion ensembles while attending this year’s ceremony. While Barbiecore might be in because of Margot Robbie, Halle Bailey was pretty in pink channeling her inner Barbie at the event and Teyonah Parris went full Little Mermaid in her sparkling dress.

Ever since Barbie became the global phenomenon of 2023, celebs helped make pink the color of that year. Halle Bailey didn’t step away from the trend at this year’s Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a two-tone pink halterneck gown that would make you think she was a resident of Barbieland. Take a look for yourself at the piercing pink gown below:


Halle Bailey attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
(Image credit: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

As you can see, The Little Mermaid actress wore a dual-toned pink and peach gown with a cross-fronted neckline. With a cinched waist, torso cutout, and a flowing skirt down to the floor, the young actress truly looked like a princess. Held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Bailey was honored along with The Color Purple’s Danielle Brooks, executive television producer Kathryn Busby, and All American’s executive producer Nkechi Okoro Carroll.

Halle Bailey indeed had a fantastic year in 2023. She was cast as Ariel in Disney’s live-action remake The Little Mermaid. While the Grown-ish actress faced backlash for the role not going to a fair-skinned redhead as seen in the 1989 Disney classic, she handled the negativity like a champ. She decided instead to focus on her excitement to play such an important role in the realm of Disney.

While Halle Bailey didn’t wear her usual Ariel-inspired looks for the 17th annual event, another A-lister decided to go full-on Little Mermaid with her dazzling ensemble. Teyonah Parris, who helped bring Black representation to the MCU playing Monica Rambeau in The Marvels, wore an eye-piercing dress at the event that made her look like she’s BFFs with Ariel. See for yourself below:


Teyonah Parris attends the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
(Image credit: Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

Teyonah Parris’ form-fitted dress has a sandy color that would blend in well with the beach topped with shimmering gold shells as it flows to the floor. The WandaVision actress accessorized with gold-bangle bracelets on one wrist and a round gold ring on the other hand. Based on her Instagram post, it looks like this beach-themed dress came from her forthcoming fashion line, Blum by Teyonah. At the event, Parris honored her friend, Danielle Brooks, who was nominated as Best Supporting Actress for The Color Purple for the 96th Oscar nominees.

With Halle Bailey channeling Barbiecore and Teyonah Parris going all Little Mermaid at the Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards, “method dressing” truly is a trend in bringing out styles from successful movies this past year. Make sure to look at our 2024 movie releases so you’ll know when these talented ladies appear on the big screen next.