If you tuned into the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards last night, you may have done a double take when you realized the stunning award show host with the chic bixie cut was none other than former child actor Marsai Martin, best known for her role as the sassy Diane Johnson on the ABCsitcomBlackish. Martin is 21 now and an ongoing story of “girl power” success.
Press coverage for the pre-Oscars event, which celebrates the artistry and achievements of Black women in the entertainment industry, absolutely filled social streams for hours and hours last night. Hollywood power players who stepped out included Kerry Washington, Zendaya, Teyana Taylor, Halle Bailey, Wunmi Mosaku, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
Here’s Marsai Martin on Black Women in Hollywood red carpet last night.
Photo by Arturo Holmes on Getty Images
(Photo by Arturo Holmes on Getty Images)
Marsai Martin joined the cast of Blackish at just 5 years old. Then at age 14, the award-winning actress set the record as the youngest Hollywood executive producer for her film Little, via the Guinness World Record. Let’s go, trailblazer! Today she’s acting and producing and managing her company Genius Entertainment. She recently partnered with Girls Who Code to help champion in the next generation of girls and nonbinary youth creators and technologists.
Related: ‘Blackish’ Star Tracee Ellis Ross Reveals 3-Word Packing Rule That Absolutely Destroys the ‘Carry-On Only’ Debate
Martin’s Instagram caption about her Essence hosting gig reads: “happy happy girl🥹”
Martin could have hung up her coat after she killed it for so many years on Blackish (literally and maybe even financially, we don’t know), but so so glad she didn’t. Here’s to a long successful career.
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This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 13, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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