ESSENCE has officially revealed the full program lineup for its 2026 Black Women in Hollywood ceremony, confirming that Marsai Martin will host the evening, Mýa will take the stage for a musical performance, and Delroy Lindo, Jurnee Smollett, and Teyana Taylor will serve as presenters. The ceremony will also feature a special on-stage tribute moment including Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan.
The nineteenth annual event takes place Thursday, March 12 at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, continuing its tradition of honoring Black women whose work shapes film and television across performance, production, and executive leadership.
The Program Is Set
Marsai Martin stepping in as host adds a sharp generational note to the night. As an actress and producer who’s steadily expanded her footprint in the industry, Martin represents a wave of talent that moves comfortably between on-screen presence and behind-the-scenes influence.
Mýa’s performance brings an added layer of cultural resonance, while presenters Delroy Lindo, Jurnee Smollett, and Teyana Taylor reflect a blend of veteran authority and contemporary creative force.
The on-stage tribute moment featuring Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan adds another dimension to the evening’s programming, signaling a moment of recognition within the broader celebration.
This Year’s Honorees
As previously announced, the 2026 Black Women in Hollywood honorees are:
- Kerry Washington
- LaTanya Richardson Jackson
- Zinzi Coogler
- Chase Infiniti
Each represents a different lane of impact — from Washington’s continued presence on screen and behind the camera, to Richardson Jackson’s decades-spanning work across stage and film, to Coogler’s producing leadership, and Infiniti’s emergence as a rising voice.
Luminary Spotlight: Women of Sinners
The ceremony will also include a Luminary Spotlight honoring the women of Sinners, recognizing their collective contribution to the film’s historic awards-season standing.
Those being recognized in that moment include:
- Autumn Durald Arkapaw
- Hannah Beachler
- Jayme Lawson
- Ruth E. Carter
- Shunika Terry-Jennings
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Zinzi Coogler
The spotlight acknowledges women working across cinematography, production design, costume design, performance, and production — a reminder that impact happens at every level of a project.
Digital Covers and Viewing Details
The full announcement goes live at 9:30 a.m. ET alongside exclusive digital covers spotlighting this year’s honorees.
Red carpet media confirmations are expected by the end of the week, with final credential applications due Thursday, March 5.
For those watching remotely, the official pre-show will stream on ESSENCE’s YouTube channel, featuring red carpet arrivals, interviews, and the presentation of both the ESSIES’ Choice Award and the inaugural Creators’ Award presented by smartwater®. Nominees are selected by the ESSENCE editorial team, with the final winner chosen by newsletter subscribers.
Why It Continues to Matter
Now in its nineteenth year, Black Women in Hollywood remains one of the clearest reflections of who is shaping culture in real time. It’s not just about recognition — it’s about documenting influence, leadership, and the creative labor that moves the industry forward.
With its 2026 lineup now confirmed, the ceremony once again centers Black women at the heart of awards season — not as an afterthought, but as architects of the moment.