Friday, February 25, 2011

EVENT FAB: Hollywood Ladies Rock The 4th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon

It was an incredible day for black women in Hollywood yesterday as ESSENCE magazine, along with sponsors Lincoln, Moet, and L'Oreal Paris--honored 4 of the most fab chicks in the game at the Beverly Hills Hotel: Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, and Loretta Devine.  And tons of YBF chicks (and fellas) came out in full support.

 

YBF was on the scene and we tweeted live who we caught up with inside.  Now, over 50 pics from the 4th Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood luncheon when you read on...

The ridiculously fabulous honoree Jennifer Hudson brought her cute suited up date David Jr. on the gold carpet.  She rocked a fitted magenta cocktail dress that hugged all her new curves. 

She looks like she's lost even more weight.  Weight Watchers does a body good.  Her former Sex & The City producer, Michael Patrick King, was on hand to present her the award.

New mommy-to-be Tia Mowry hit the gold carpet and showed off her pertruding baby bump.  She's glowing!

Her twin sis Tamera was also there to support.

The sexy Laz Alonso hit the carpet and chatted with us about his upcoming movie Jumping The Broom--directed by Salim Akil, who was also in attendance yesterday.

Oh Jesse.  How sweet and HOT you are...

We asked "Grey's Anatomy" star Jessie Williams if he's a taken man--and he confirmed our suspicions saying "Yes, very much taken."  We finally saw his fiance who was by his side yesterday but strategically avoided the cameras.  She's an au natural, curly haired cutie named Aryan who seems perfect for him.

Gorgeous Gabrielle Union showed up in this black cocktail gown that worked wonders for her.

Gave her a more sophisticated and polished look, topped off with a bold red lip.

Gorgeous chick Lauren London hit the carpet in a casual chic look: red satiny mini shorts by Alice+Olivia, a blazer from H&M, and a black and white blouse by Joie.  Very cute.

Newly single Garcelle Beauvais hit up the event looking fresh faced in a spring-ridden white suit and pink blouse and blue accents.

We love it.

Disney Princess Anika Noni Rose rocked this perfectly tailored blue Tahari dress for the occasion.  She was there to present the award to her For Colored Girls co-star Loretta Devine.

Nicole Kodjoe showing off her bangin' bod in this nude striped mini dress.

And we can tell her hubby Boris loved it too.  He looked hot in his spring cream suit.

Brandy was there in a cute black dress and sat with her besties Serena Williams and Gabby Union.

Serena Williams looked uhh-mazing in this white Fendi dress.  She still looks cute rocking leopard flats as she lets her foot heal.

Angela Simmons also whipped out her white sheer look by Juan Vargas for the occasion and paired it with her multi-colored Giuseppe Zanotti booties.

Victoria Rowell looked great at the event and seemed genuinely happy to be there  Such a fab chick.

Tatyana Ali worked out this aquamarine bow detailed dress by Oliver Tolentino and nude pumps.  She's been looking so fantastic these days.

Tamala Jones was there in a simple black dress.

Sharon Leal wore a pale green blousy dress with silver heels.  Didn't love the dress on her--but she has a gorgeous face and skin.  PS--we caught a glimpse of her new boo and they're so in love.

Salli Richardson hasn't skipped a beat over the years.  She looked fabulous in this nude knee length cocktail dress with a sheer and gold accented back.

"True Blood" star Rutina Wesley looked polished in her nude ensemble by Max & Co.  Great color and look on her.

Kimora Lee Simmons was understated yet sexy in her pale pink dress.  Such a cute and simple look for her.

Honoree Viola Davis had the room in tears as she spoke about the difficulties of being a black woman in Hollywood--and not having the opportunity to express her love for other black actresses because the landscape of competition is so steep at all times.  Seeing that there seems to be 1 good role a year that ALL black actresses are competing for.  This is why she so appreciates this luncheon and the chance to bask in admiration of others.

Her co-star Amy Adams was there to present her the award.  And her hubby of 11 years even teared up and seemed extremely proud of his woman.

Niecy Nash was pretty in pink at the event.

The vibrant Loretta Devine hit the gold carpet before receiving her award.  Sharon Leal and Anika Noni Rose presented it to her--and her acceptance speech was hilarious.  She expressed that actresses Jenifer Williams and Lela Rochon (both also in attendance) are two of her best friends.

Oh and she said she's so happy to have her man (pictured above) with her at the event. 

Keri Washington rocked a vintage inspired dress that works for her. 

Forest Whitaker was on hand--sans his wife Keisha--to present the award to his good friend Angela Bassett.

And the uber fabulous Angela looked incredible as always.

Her hubby Cortney was off filming a movie, but she had a table of supporters from Keri Washington to Tichina Arnold to Forest to more.

Naturi Naughton rocked an animal print dress for the occasion.

Elise Neal rocked head to toe Gucci.

The beautiful Jill Scott opened the event with spoken word.  And looked fabulous while doing so.

Celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins hit up the event--sans Queen Latifah--in this BCBG fitted dress in pale pink, paired with purple pumps.  Nice.


Kimberly Elise looked nice in her bright floral dress.  And she brought her 21-year-old daughter (yes, DAUGHTER!) named Ajablue (yes, AJABLUE!)

Am I the only one who didn't know she had a daughter named Butterfly? And she has a second daughter who is 13 named Butterfly, and Kimberly's husband, Maurice, died in 2007 and they divorced in 2005.

 

And actress Vanessa Bell Calloway was also in the mix. 

And Dr. Michelle Callahan was there in a Dolce & Gabbana black lace dress with her Louis Vuitton Fleur de Jais bag.

Fab times for an amazing occasion.

 

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER FOR MORE INSIDE PICS OF MORE CELEBS AT YESTERDAY'S LUNCHEON!

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