Tag Archives: ESSENCE magazine

ESSENCE Includes Orange Is The Black’s Laverne Cox And Samira Wiley in Annual Black Women Awards

ESSENCE announced the 8th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon honorees, and this it year it includes Laverne Cox, Lorraine Toussaint, Samira Wiley, Uzo Aduba, and Vicky Jeudy of the Emmy Award-winning series “Orange Is The New Black” (Vanguard Award); powerhouse actress/­director Regina King (Fierce & Fearless Award); breakout British actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Lincoln Breakthrough of the Year Award) and Academy Award-nominated costume designer Ruth E. Carter (Visionary Award).

“The past year has been a game-changer for women in Hollywood. We are creating, performing and calling the shots. By recognizing our leading ladies both in front of and behind the camera, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood illuminates the ‘Power of our Presence.’”

De Luca

2015 marks the 45th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. Since its inception in 1970, ESSENCE has been dedicated to the progress, uplifting and celebration of African-American women in all fields including film and entertainment.  Black Women in Hollywood commemorates the brand’s annual Hollywood issue (March), which will be available on newsstands on Feb. 13.

“ESSENCE embodies the diversity of our stories, and Black Women in Hollywood allows us to honor fresh and innovative storytelling, as well as groundbreaking portrayals. This year we are proudly honoring seven brilliant actresses from the original hit series Orange is the New Black; a critically-acclaimed actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw; an accomplished performer and director with a career spanning three decades Regina King; and an inspirational creative talent Ruth E. Carter.”

Michelle Ebanks, ESSENCE President