ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood 2026: The Ladies Shut Down The Red Carpet
The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards turned into one of the most fashionable nights of the year. Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the annual celebration of Black women in entertainment brought out some of Hollywood’s most stylish stars.
And let’s just say this: the women didn’t come to play. From Old Hollywood glamour to bold runway looks, the red carpet was full of stunning fashion moments.
Here are the women who absolutely owned the night.
Kerry Washington Serves Glam With A Pink Gown And Motorcycle Jacket
Kerry Washington delivered one of the most memorable looks of the evening. The actress wore a beautiful soft pink gown that hugged her figure perfectly.
But what made the outfit really stand out was the dazzling black motorcycle jacket she layered over the dress. The edgy jacket paired with the elegant gown created the perfect mix of glam and cool.
Coco Jones Looks Like Spring In A Gorgeous Floral Gown
Singer and actress Coco Jones looked absolutely radiant in a stunning black gown covered in colorful floral designs.
The dress felt incredibly fresh and spring-like, with vibrant floral detailing that made the look feel youthful and elegant at the same time.
Eva Marcille Brings 1920s Hollywood Glam
Eva Marcille stepped out in a sleek little black dress that immediately turned heads.
She paired the dress with a dramatic Hollywood-style hat, giving the entire look a glamorous 1920s vibe. The result was timeless, chic, and incredibly sophisticated.
Jackée Harry Looks Elegant In A Rich Green Pantsuit
Legendary actress Jackée Harry proved that power suits can be just as glamorous as gowns.
She wore a rich green pantsuit that looked both elegant and relaxed. The outfit was stylish, polished, and perfectly suited to the red carpet.
LeToya Luckett Stuns In A Delicate White Lace Two-Piece
LeToya Luckett looked breathtaking in a stunning white lace two-piece ensemble.
The outfit featured intricate lace detailing that made the entire look feel delicate, expensive, and incredibly sophisticated.
Cynthia Bailey Channels Old Hollywood In Gold
Cynthia Bailey looked like a classic movie star in a shimmering gold gown.
The elegant dress hugged her figure beautifully and featured a dramatic slit that added just the right amount of glamour. The entire look felt straight out of Old Hollywood.
Zendaya Stuns In Elegant White
Zendaya arrived wearing a beautiful white gown with a soft floral motif woven into the design.
Fans have noticed that the actress has been wearing white frequently ever since marrying Tom Holland, and the elegant color choice continues to look incredible on her.
Sheryl Lee
Sheryl Lee Ralph looked absolutely regal in a stunning spring-inspired outfit featuring soft pink and green tones.
The skirt and blouse combination felt fresh, vibrant, and perfectly suited to the season. She truly looked like fashion royalty on the carpet.
Mya Arnold Delivers Our Favorite Look Of The Night
Mya Arnold wore what may have been our favorite outfit of the entire evening.
Her dramatic pink and yellow gown was bold, vibrant, and completely unforgettable. The colors popped beautifully and the silhouette made the look truly show-stopping.
Chloe Bailey Turns Heads In Tiger Stripes
Chloe Bailey brought serious drama to the carpet with a striking yellow tiger-striped outfit.
The bold pattern and fitted silhouette gave the look a fierce and confident energy.
Tabitha Brown Brings African-Inspired Elegance
Tabitha Brown looked stunning in a colorful African-inspired pantsuit filled with vibrant patterns and textures.
The outfit was bold, joyful, and full of personality — exactly what fans have come to love about her.
Kandi Burruss And Riley Deliver A Stylish Mother-Daughter Moment
Kandi Burruss arrived with her daughter Riley, and the two looked amazing together.
Both wore sleek, form-fitting dresses that showed off their style. And Riley is clearly growing into a gorgeous young woman, matching her mom’s fashion energy.
Essence Atkins Looks Chic In A White Mini Dress
Essence Atkins kept things cute and classy in a crisp white mini dress.
The simple silhouette looked elegant and youthful while still feeling perfectly red-carpet appropriate.
Tia Mowry Looks Radiant In Cream
Tia Mowry wore a cream-colored short set that felt both elegant and relaxed.
Many fans said this might be the best she has looked since her divorce, and it’s easy to see why. The outfit was soft, flattering, and effortlessly stylish.
Lynn Whitfield Stuns In Head-To-Toe Blue
Legendary actress Lynn Whitfield looked spectacular in a head-to-toe blue ensemble.
The elegant outfit paired beautifully with her accessories and gave the entire look a regal, commanding presence.
Loni Love Keeps It Elegant In A White Jumper
Comedian Loni Love arrived wearing a sophisticated white jumper that looked both stylish and comfortable.
The clean lines and elegant silhouette made the look effortlessly chic.
Halle Bailey Looks Breathtaking In Flowing Green
Halle Bailey floated onto the carpet in a breathtaking green gown that flowed beautifully as she walked.
The dramatic silhouette and soft fabric gave the dress a magical, almost ethereal feel.
Loretta Devine Celebrates Culture In African Print
Loretta Devine looked incredible in a colorful African print dress that celebrated bold patterns and vibrant color.
The outfit was lively, stylish, and full of personality.
Niecy Nash Looks Gorgeous In Cream Florals
Niecy Nash stunned in a beautiful cream floral dress that hugged her curves perfectly.
The delicate floral details added softness and elegance to the entire look.
Marsai Martin Brings High Fashion Drama
Marsai Martin wore a stunning cream dress that featured a dramatic flowing train behind her.
The elegant design gave the young star a sophisticated, high-fashion moment on the carpet.
Jurnee Smollett Keeps It Classic In Black
Jurnee Smollett looked absolutely stunning in a sleek all-black ensemble.
The simple yet powerful look proved that sometimes classic black never fails.
Kendra G Glitters In Silver
Media personality Kendra G sparkled on the carpet in a beautiful silver gown that shimmered under the lights.
The glamorous look made her one of the night’s most dazzling appearances.
Kyla Pratt Looks Angelic In White
Kyla Pratt kept things timeless in an elegant all-white outfit that felt both polished and graceful.
The soft color and clean silhouette made the look effortlessly beautiful.
A Night Of Beauty, Style And Black Excellence
The ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards celebrates the incredible achievements of Black women across the entertainment industry.
But judging by the red carpet, it also celebrates something else:
Style, confidence, and star power.
And if this year’s fashion was any indication… these women continue to set the standard for how Hollywood should look.