Stylish Celebs Celebrate Honorees at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood

Source: Arnold Turner, Momodu Mansaray, / Getty

Every year, the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards reminds us why representation matters. It’s not just about honoring outstanding performances or jaw-dropping talent; it’s also a powerful celebration of identity, culture, and style. Black Hollywood has long influenced the fashion industry, and their impact on Hollywood’s red carpet is undeniable. This year’s ceremony was an extravaganza of style, as stars arrived showcasing daring, bold, and unapologetically stunning looks while embodying the event’s theme of excellence in Hollywood

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Honoring Iconic Black Women

The 2023 honorees included some of the most impactful women in both film and fashion. Academy Award-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo, multi-talented artist Teyana Taylor, writer and producer extraordinaire Raamla Mohamed, and the legendary Marla Gibbs were celebrated for their work and influence. Hosted by Hollywood’s dashing Aldis Hodge, the event not only brought these names together but also solidified their place as fashion icons.

These women shine not only for their contributions to entertainment but also for their ability to tell stories, redefine beauty standards, and fearlessly advocate for visibility within an industry that hasn’t always been inclusive.

Making Statements Through Fashion

Fashion has always been central to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. This year’s red carpet was a spectacular showcase of vibrant personal style meeting cultural pride. Black women are reclaiming space on red carpets by blending boldness and elegance with looks that demand attention and respect.

Teyana Taylor in Amiri

Is there anything Teyana Taylor can’t do? This year’s honoree stunted in a sultry yet simple Amiri look that perfectly paired a soft peach color with a sexy high split.  The dress accentuated her chizzled body, making a fierce fashion statement.

Cynthia Erivo in Maison Margiela

Cynthia Erivo has consistently proven herself a red carpet risk-taker, and this year was no different. Draped in an architectural Maison Margiela creation, Erivo was the epitome of high fashion. From the dramatic lines to the thoughtful details, her look reflected her boundary-pushing artistry both on- and off-screen.

Lori Harvey in Burberry

Dripping in elegance and sophistication, Lori Harvey stepped out in a timeless Burberry ensemble with a modern twist on the Burberry trench and pattern. Her sharp tailoring, coupled with her ability to exude effortless confidence, reminded everyone why she’s a rising star in Hollywood style.

Laverne Cox in Thom Browne

Laverne Cox is Hollywood royalty when it comes to owning the red carpet, and she didn’t disappoint in her Thom Browne look. A delicate blend of structured tailoring and modern details, the ensemble emphasized both her long legs and her undeniable influence.

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Whether you’re swooning over Teyana Taylor’s Amiri look or taking notes from Cynthia Erivo’s fearless fashion game, one thing is clear: Black Hollywood shined bright and defined black excellence on their terms.  See their looks below…

The article ‘Stylish Celebs Celebrate Honorees at the 2025 Essence Black Women in Hollywood‘ was created with the help of Jasper.AI

1. Jackie Aina

Jackie Aina attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a feather gown with a sweetheart neckline and sky high slit.

2. Meagan Good

Meagan Good attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a peach corset dress with a bubble skirt and train by Eman Alajan

3. Raamla Mohamed

2025 Raamla Mohamed attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a floral printed sage dress.

4.  Jonathan Majors

 Jonathan Majors attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a green blazer and blue pants with a turtleneck and barret 

5. Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a dramatic textured black dress by Maison Margiela with a matching cape

6. Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a classy silver suit with no tie and aviators.

7. Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a flirty white and black top with black harem pants by Diotima.

8. Aldis Hodge

Award host Aldis Hodge attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood in a tan suit with a country flair in the sticking and pearls

9. Teyana Taylor

Taylor attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards in a sexy tan fitted dress by Amiri with cut outs.

10. Jessica Betts and Niecy Nash

Jessica Betts and Niecy Nash attend the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood with Jessica wearing a black suit with white piping and a pussy bow blouse.  Niecy is wearing a short flirty purple dress

11. Issa Rae

Issa Rae attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a strapless citrius orange gown. 

12. Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards in a Thom Browne suit topped with a harness

13. Lori Harvey

Lori Harvey attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a modernized Burberry Trench paired with pants in the famous Burberry pattern.

14. Scott Evans

Scott Evans attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a soft pink double breasted suit

15. Tyla

Tyla attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards in a short tan sequin dress with a square neckline and gladiator stilettos 

16. Brandee Evans

Brandee Evans attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a voluminous sheer pink gown Kristina Kharlashkina

17. Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards keeping sexy in a tan and brown menswear inspired suit

18. Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a powder blue blazer dress with gold buttons

19. Tabitha Brown

Tabitha Brown attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood mixing patterns in gold jacquard pants paired with a diamond patterned sweater

20. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a black mermaid gown with lace and opra length gloves

21. Kandi Burruss

Kandi Burruss attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a white menswear inspired suit with exenuated shoulders and an exaggerated matching tie.  

22. Tyler Lepley

Tyler Lepley attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a tan suit that tied around the waist.

23. Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood in a sexy black gown with a train and cut outs.

24. Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood in a hunter green leather two piece with knee boots

25. Shoniqua Shandai

Shoniqua Shandai the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a orange draped wrap dress with pink accents.

26. Luvvie Ajayi

Luvvie Ajayi attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a playful Thom Browne look

27. Claire Sulmers

Claire Sulmers attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a grape colored gown with a high slit and trimmed in feathers by Michael Costello

28. Storm Reid

Storm Reid attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a dramatic blue and green gown by Cong Tri with a hi-low skirt

29. Tasha Smith

Tasha Smith attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards a trench coat dress by Ganni

30. Jessica Williams

Jessica Williams attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a strapless belted dress with a trumpet skirt by Carolina Herrera.

31. Cynthia Bailey

Cynthia Bailey attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a silky black gown with half sleeves

32. David Oyelowo

 Oyelowo attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards in a rust two piece suit

33. Coco Jones

Coco Jones attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards wearing a white drapped dress showing off her long legs.

34. Karrueche Tran

Karrueche Tran attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood wearing a simple but sexy black gown with a high slit.

35. Krys Marshall

Krys Marshall attends the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards in a flirty Zimmermann dress with dramatic sleeves.