The Best Blue Carpet Looks From ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood 2026

The 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood event is available to stream on ESSENCE’s YouTube starting Saturday, March 14: Watch Here.

It’s a sunny day in Los Angeles and even sunnier at Fairmont Century Plaza where entertainment’s biggest stars were shining (like Harold Loomis, as Viola Davis would say) at ESSENCE’s 19th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards. Hosted by Marsai Martin, attendees and honorees—including Kerry Washington, Chase Infiniti, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and Zinzi Coogler with a Luminary Spotlight for the women of Sinners—are using this year’s theme “Off Script” to take back ownership over the film and television industry. But, before the show began, they all owned the blue carpet first. 

Washington arrived in a pale pink slip dress and leather jacket to match her sexy, edgy updo. Infiniti vowed to not drag her dress. Instead, she put her knit gown on a gold chain leash which held up her short train. As for the honoree’s hair, the final touch was “refining the silhouette, softening edges and ensuring the style looked beautiful from every angle,” hairstylist Coree Moreno told ESSENCE, using KISS Colors & Care Wrap Foam Hair Mousse. Richardson Jackson had a similar updo to Washington’s, styled with ruby red jewelry to complement her eye makeup. Meanwhile, Martin decided on a deep side part bob and an extra-long muted train which draped the carpet as she walked.

Zendaya (who is rumored to have privately married Tom Holland) is leaning into the rumors with her bridal white mini dress—as seen on Whitney Houston in 1987—and new crop cut. In the name of love, Niecy Nash-Betts and her wife, Jessica, proved how to do couple style right: wear opposite patterns that just go. Meanwhile, a pregnant Wunmi Mosaku wore a slim beaded gown while her husband Tash Moseley cradled her belly. Finally, to close the red carpet, Love Island sweethearts Chelley Bissainthe, Serena Page, and Olandria Carthen all agreed darker hair is better for spring.

Below, see the best blue carpet beauty and fashion looks from ESSENCE’s 19th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards ceremony. 

Marsai Martin

Kerry Washington

Chase Infiniti

LaTanya Richardson Jackson

Ryan Coogler & Zinzi Coogler

Ruth E. Carter

Wunmi Mosaku & Tash Moseley

Shunika Terry-Jennings & Chinaka Hodge

Hannah Beachler

Jayme Lawson

Delroy Lindo

Michael B. Jordan

Jurnee Smolett

Mýa

Teyana Taylor

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Zendaya

LeToya Luckett

Coco Jones

Laverne Cox

Jessica Betts & Niecy Nash-Betts

Kandi Burruss & Riley Burruss

Chole Bailey

Halle Bailey

Tyrese

Chelley Bissainthe

Serena Page

Olandria Carthen

Eva Marcille

Kyla Pratt

Karen Pittman

Tia Mowry

Loretta Devine

Skye P. Marshall

Ryan Destiny

Crystle Stewart

Lynn Whitfield

Novi Brown

Tabitha Brown

Jackie Aina

Brooke DeVard

Monique Rodriguez

Danessa Myricks

Krys Marshall

Shavone Charles

Yvonne Orji

Amber Riley