Essence Black Women in Hollywood: Michael B. Jordan, Marsai Martin

Actor and producer Marsai Martin will host this year’s Essence Black Women in Hollywood luncheon, with Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo, Ryan Coogler, Teyana Taylor and Jurnee Smollett joining the program as presenters.

The 19th annual luncheon will salute Chase Infiniti, Kerry Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Zinzi Coogler, as well as feature a special tribute to all the women of “Sinners,” including cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw, production designer Hannah Beachler, costume designer Ruth E. Carter, hair designer Shunika Terry-Jennings and stars Wunmi Mosaku and Jayme Lawson.

Jordan and Ryan Coogler will take the stage together for the special presentation to Oscar-nominated producer and Proximity Media co-founder Zinzi Coogler and the women who turned the film into a cultural phenomenon. Meanwhile, Lindo will be on hand to salute Washington, with whom he starred in the Hulu dramedy “UnPrisoned.” Taylor, who was feted at last year’s Essence luncheon, will salute her “One Battle After Another” co-star Infiniti. Smollett will present to her godmother, stage and screen legend Richardson Jackson.

The ceremony, set to take place on March 12 at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, will also include a special performance by Grammy winner Mýa. This year’s program is themed “Off Script” to reflect how Black women are changing the narrative in Hollywood by expanding beyond traditional roles and exerting increased creative control and long-term ownership across the industry.

The ceremony and the pre-show, hosted by Scott Evans and Stacy Ike, will stream on Essence’s official YouTube channel. The preshow will also feature the presentation of both the Essie’s Choice Award — with the casts of CBS’ “Beyond the Gates” and Hulu’s “Reasonable Doubt,” as well as Netflix’s “Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black” and “Forever,” as nominees — and the inaugural Creators’ Award.