Honoree Mary J. Blige arrives at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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The New Leading Lady
Actress and honoree Zoe Saldana looks like a star to watch in this Valentino lace dress at the Black Women in Hollywood luncheon.
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The Queen
Honoree Queen Latifah walks the red carpet at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Beauty and Business
Queen Latifah on the red carpet at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon where she received the Power Award.
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The Breakthrough
Honoree Gabourey Sidibe arrives at the luncheon with a sweet smile and was excited to meet her “heros” from TV and film.
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Living Legend
Legend Award honoree, Cicely Tyson, arrives wearing a one-of-a-kind floral headpiece. Tyson’s moving acceptance speech quieted the Crystal Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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Mrs. Smith Arrives
Jada Pinkett-Smith was greeted by flashing lights as she made her way to the red carpet.
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Purple Pose
Last year’s honoree, Taraji P. Henson, was selected to present the Songstress of the Year Award to Mary J. Blige. Here, she poses on the red carpet.
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Fresh-Faced
Taraji P. Henson smiles for the cameras.
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Hollywood Royalty
Jada Pinkett Smith attends the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel where she was preparing to introduce Queen Latifah.
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The Shining
Once on the carpet, Pinkett-Smith was more than ready for her close-up.
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Au Naturale
Actress and Essence.com blogger Joy Bryant serves up her signature brand of beauty and fashion on the red carpet.
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Easy Breezy
Joy Bryant on the red carpet at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
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Hollywood Glam
Zoe Saldana, wearing red lipstick, greets the photographers and journalist on the carpet.
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Chic and Stylish
Actress Viola Davis looks lovely in this black column dress. She was on-hand to pay homage to Cicely Tyson for her Legend Award.
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Pretty and Polished
Viola Davis wears a soft wave in her bobbed hair at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon.
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The Harveys
Steve Harvey arrives with his wife, Marjorie, by his side attend the luncheon.
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Man of Style
Rapper and actor Common, dressed like a distinguished gent, arrives to the luncheon where he performed with legendary composer Terrance Blanchard.
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Fresh and Fly
Stylish singer Keri Hilson posed on the red carpet in this black ensemble with a glittering jacket.
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Haute Hair
Hilson rocked a fierce rolled bang and gorgeous nude makeup, perfect for a star studded luncheon.
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Miss Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross arrives on the red carpet with a big smile and even bigger curls.
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Hail Mary Mary
Mary Mary arrived in colorful dresses at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon. The singing siblings paid musical tribute to Mary J. Blige.
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A Soft Touch
Serena Williams arrives at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon wearing a sophisticated dress and heels with bows.
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Golden Lady
Serena Williams looked great on the red carpet with her golden bobbed hair cut.
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Shimmer and Shine
Actress Nia Long walked the red carpet in this glittering, beaded mini dress.
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The Glow
Nia Long radiates flawless beauty and her pixie haircut is too cute.
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Simply Fabulous
Actress and ESSENCE.com blogger Tichina Arnold works the red carpet at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon .
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Mother to Be
A pregnant Paula Patton on the red carpet at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon.
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Our Princess
ESSENCE’s January 2010 cover girl, Anika Noni Rose, arrives to celebrate her fellow Black actresses.
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Young Starlet
Actress Keke Palmer arrives at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Rising Star
Kyla Pratt was excited to spend the afternoon with her peers and idols at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Boho Beauty
Actress Kimberly Elise was thrilled to support her former co-star Cicely Tyson, our Legend Award honoree.
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Power Broker
Legendary entertainment executive Suzanne de Passe arrives in style. She is the epitome of Black Women in Hollywood.
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Bronzed Beauty
The beautiful actress Holly Robinson Peete attends the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Looking Lovely
Laila Ali wears a lady-like white dress with polka dots to the luncheon.
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Good Sports
Serena Williams and Sheryl Lee Ralph smile for the cameras.
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Red Carpet Style
Jada Pinkett-Smith poses alongside Tichina Arnold
on the red carpet.
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Lady at Lunch
Actress Lela Rochon at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles.
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The Veteran
“Law & Order’s” S. Epatha Mekerson was thrilled to attend the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon for the first time.
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Dramatic Effects
Nia Long poses in the stunning ballroom where the luncheon was held. The decor was inspired by Art Deco and Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball.
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Soap Opera “Diva”
Actress, activist and author Victoria Rowell arrives at the luncheon looking tres chic.
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All Access
“Access Hollywood’s” Shaun Robinson looked glamorous in this grey and purple satin dress.
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Talented Two
Actresses Lisa Arrindell Anderson and Anika Noni Rose strike a pose together on the red carpet. This event is a real reunion for many Black actresses.
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Sister, Sister
Tamera and Tia Mowry arrive together at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon looking all grown up.
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Subtle Style
Tia Mowry strikes a simple pose in this one-shoulder draped dress.
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Sister Tamera
Tamera Mowry takes a solo shot on the red carpet wearing two trends of the season: yellow and prints.
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Fresh Princess
Actress Tatyana Ali attends the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Jewel Tones
Actress and webisode star Tatyana Ali walks the red carpet in this flowing teal halter dress.
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Brown Beauty
Actress Malinda Williams makes a simple style statement on the red carpet in this chocolate dress, nude makeup and gorgeous skin.
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A New Look
Actress Malinda Williams makes a stop on the red carpet to show off her new look for Spring.
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True Blue
Actress Nicki Micheaux of “Lincoln Heights” stops along the red carpet.
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The Color Coral
Singer LeToya Luckett arrives on the red carpet in this coral ruffled mini dress.
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Up Close and Beautiful
LeToya Luckett smiles for the camera and works her Spring makeup. Orange and coral shades are big this season.
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The Woman in Red
Holly Robinson Peete arrives, in a red and black one shoulder ensemble, at the Third Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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The Music Man
Earth, Wind & Fire’s renowned bassist, Verdine White, flashes a smile on the red carpet.
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Simply Chic
Model and actress Tomiko Fraser is the picture of elegance on the red carpet.
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Absolutely Flawless
Tomiko Fraser is simply flawless with nude and taupe makeup to compliment her dress.
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Strike a Pose
Actress Vanessa Williams graces the carpet for the luncheon.
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Soft and Etherial
Actress Tracie Thoms arrived in this light as air white ruffled dress. She was thrilled to watch as her friend, Zoe Saldana, received the Star on the Rise Award.
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Red Carpet Ready
Actress Jennia Fredrique poses on the red carpet in this dramatic pouf skirt.
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A Magical Moment
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Gabourey Sidibe, and ESSENCE Beauty & Cover Director Mikki Taylor, Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray and Common show some love on the red carpet.
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Nothing But Love
Nia Long receives a warm embrace from Tracee Ellis Ross at the Black Women in Hollywood luncheon. You could feel the good energy in the room.
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The Anchor and the Actress
Shaun Robinson and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon greet each other on their way into the Crystal Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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Stylish Sisters
Jada Pinkett-Smith is greeted by ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief, Angela Burt-Murray.
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Beaming Beauty
Sheryl Lee Ralph beams with her red lip stick and statement earrings at the luncheon.
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Turning It Out
Actress Tichina Arnold offers up an over-the-shoulder smile during the luncheon so you could see the full effect of the dress.
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Serenading the Sisters
Common takes the stage to perform an homage to women and this years Black Women in Hollywood honorees. Terrance Blanchard played sax while Common delivered his verses.
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The Newcomer
Director Lee Daniels presented the Breakthrough Performance Award to his “Precious” star, Gabourey Sidibe.
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Gabby!!!
Gabourey Sidibe was welcomed with a warm reception when she stepped to the stage to accept her Best Breakthrough Performance Award for her role in “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”
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Cecily Tyson
The iconic actress silenced the audience with a profound speech as she accepted the Legend Award at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon in 2010.
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Hollywood Heavyweights
“Avatar” director James Cameron presented Zoe Saldana with the Star to Watch Award. He was beaming about Saldana’s strength as an actress and her passion for the craft.
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Star to Watch
As the star of two of 2009’s biggest blockbusters – “Avatar” and “Star Trek”, Zoe Saldana was honored with the Star to Watch Award. She told the audience it was humbling for ESSENCE to give her his award.
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Box Office Diva
Zoe Saldana thanks her family and friends for their constant love and support as she graciously accepts the Star to Watch Award.
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Proud Mary
As always, Mary J. Blige speaks from the heart as she accepts the Songstress of the Year Award. She talked about how ESSENCE has always supported her and helped her to be a better woman.
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The Songstress
Honored as our Songstress of the Year, Mary J. Blige holds tight to her award at the Third Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Walking Tall
Queen Latifah received the Power Award at the 3rd Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel for her acting, producing and being a role model for Black women and girls.
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The Queen of Heart
Queen Latifah begins her acceptance speech after Jada Pinkett-Smith presented her with the Power Award. In no time, she was wiping away tears and inspiring the room with the many definitions of “power.”
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Hollywood Hipsters
Common congratulates honoree Zoe Saldana on her Star to Watch Award.
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Paying Respects
Tia and Tamera Mowry make a stop to greet honoree, Queen Latifah during the luncheon.
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Colorful Ladies
Mary J. Blige poses with Taraji P. Henson who presented her with the Songstress of the Year Award. The two ladies co-starred in Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”
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Fabulous
Beauty & Cover Director Mikki Taylor poses alongside Jada Pinkett-Smith. Taylor was speechless when she received a surprise special tribute for her 30 years of service and inspiration to Black women at ESSENCE.
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A Special Moment
Legend Award recipient Cicely Tyson and ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks share a special moment at the luncheon.
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Game Recognize Game
Common congratulates Queen Latifah on her Power Award. The two actors and music artists will co-star in the upcoming sports comedy, “Just Wright” this Summer.
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Reunited
Vivica A. Fox poses with honoree Queen Latifah. The talented pair starred together in the 1996 heist film, “Set It Off.”
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We Are Family
Joy Bryant and Tracee Ellis Ross show lots of love to to the newest member of the Black Women in Hollywood family Gaby Sidibe. Sidibe was humbled by the love from all the ladies at the luncheon.
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A Family Affair
Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and Lela Rochon embrace at the luncheon like sisters. This was the overwhelming feeling during Black Women in Hollywood.
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The Actress and Activist
Soul sister Sheryl Lee Ralph attends the Third Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Mutual Love
Sheryl Lee Ralph gives a warm embrace to Cicely Tyson, who was honored with our Legend Award. Ms.Tyson’s work had a profound effect on many of the actresses in the room.
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Ladies Who Lunch
Actresses Nia Long and Malinda Williams smile for the cameras during the luncheon and they share some girl talk.
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Solo Act
Tia Mowry attended with her twin sister and frequent co-star, Tamera. Here, the actress poses alone during the luncheon to show off that one-shoulder dress.
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Real Love
Marjorie Harvey takes a moment to congratulate Honoree Mary J. Blige. Everyone has so much love for Mary, her music and her message.
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Three Times a Lady
Taraji P. Henson, Mary J. Blige and Alfre Woodard share a moment at the Black Women in Hollywood luncheon. These ladies literally look like colored girls in their beautiful and vibrant dresses.
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Just Fine
Mary J. Blige was honored as Songstress of the Year. She has become the voice of a generation and the song “I Can See in Color” from the “Precious” soundtrack proves that she has a real voice and a gift.
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Honored Guests
Vanessa Williams poses with a friend during the luncheon.
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All Smiles
Keri Hilson and friend smile for the camera.
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Our Dreamgirl
Artist and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph was in attendance to celebrate Black Women in Hollywood.
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Young Hollywood
Actresses Keke Palmer and Tatyana Ali chatted it up at the luncheon. They are the new faces of Hollywood.
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Blogerrati
ESSENCE.com Managing Editor Emil Wilbekin poses with actress and ESSENCE.com blogger, Joy Bryant.
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Lady Talk
Actress Alfre Woodard and ESSENCE Associate Publisher Karen Williams chatted during the luncheon.
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Love and Happiness
Lela Rochon and Holly Robinson Peete take a moment to pose after the award presentation at the Third Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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The Actress and the Athlete
Angela Bassett and Serena Williams share a photo op at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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TV Family
Vivica A. Fox poses with her TV daughter and budding actress Keke Palmer at the Third Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon.
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Twice as Nice
Paula Patton proudly shows off her baby bump while chatting with Joy Bryant.
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The New Generation
Honoree Zoe Saldana poses with fellow actresses Joy Bryant, Malinda Williams and Nia Long. Black Women in Hollywood is a special moment that celebrates the women in front and behind the cameras in the film industry.
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Pretty Pose
Singer Letoya Luckett and actress Keke Palmer embrace for a photo during the luncheon.
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Sophisticated Ladies
Pauletta Washington and Anika Noni Rose take a photo together. Washington presented a special honor to our esteemed Beauty and Cover Director, Mikki Taylor, who has been a part of ESSENCE for three decades.
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Girlfriends
Joy Bryant embraces fellow actress, Zoe Saldana, who was honored with the Star to Watch Award at the Third Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon. The two native New Yorker help support each other in the business.
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Star Power
Jada Pinkett-Smith and Common take a photo at after presenting at the luncheon. They are both real artist who love music and film.
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The Lenswoman
Director Millicent Shelton took a moment from the festivities to pose in front of the cameras.
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Arm-in-Arm
Tracey Edmonds, Lela Rochon and Holly Robinson Peete smile for the cameras.
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All Smiles
Serena Williams and Tatyana Ali smile for the camera.
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Woman of the Hour
Legend Award honoree Cicely Tyson is joined by two of her gentlemen friends. On the right is fashion designer B. Michael.
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In Full Bloom
Honoree Cicely Tyson poses in the courtyard at the Beverly Hills Hotel after the Third Annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.
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Meet-and-Greet
Serena Williams and Sheryl Lee Ralph greet each other on the red carpet.
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To Be Honored
Zoe Saldana poses as she makes her way to the red carpet.