Hollywood Unlocked’s 6th Annual Impact Awards brought together some of the biggest names in music, film, and culture to honor a class of honorees.
Among the notable honorees were Patti LaBelle, Tyler Perry, Kehlani, Kirk Franklin, Meagan Good, RZA, Bozoma Saint John, and Justin Jones.
LaBelle received the inaugural Patti LaBelle Legacy Award, a category created specifically in her honor, which says everything about the room’s reverence for her.
Perry accepted the Innovator Award, Kehlani took home the Fearlessness Award, and accepted the Inspiration Award. Good received the Spirit Award, RZA accepted the Culture Award, Saint John took home the Pioneer Award, and Jones was honored with the Community Award.
According to the Hollywood Unlocked press release, comedian Gary “G-Thang” Johnson opened the show with impromptu performances from Da Brat, Yolanda Adams, Chante Moore, Yo-Yo, and Inayah.
Perry surprised the audience by singing, and Kirk Franklin did what Kirk Franklin does. Kehlani shared a personal moment on stage, recalling that when her mother went to jail, she had only two albums with her, one by Keyshia Cole and one by Kirk Franklin. She closed the tribute with a heartfelt thank-you to him in person.
Jason Lee, Hollywood Unlocked’s CEO and founder, reflected on going from buying Tyler Perry’s Madea movies at Walmart to standing on a stage he built and honoring Perry directly. It was the kind of full-circle moment that gives a ceremony like this its weight.
Tiffany Haddish returned for a fifth consecutive year as host and Eva Marcille participated in a walk-off contest. Babyface returned as musical director for the second year in a row.
Performances came from Chlöe Bailey, Joyner Lucas, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, Donald Lawrence, and Sheléa, with presenters including Angie Martinez, Eva Marcille, Tamika Mallory, Vic Mensa, Omari Hardwick, MC Lyte, Kathy Hilton, Tika Sumpter, and Serayah McNeill.
The guest list was equally stacked, with Jonathan Majors, Da Brat and wife Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Ben Crump, Jasmine Crockett, Phaedra Parks, Marques Houston, and Laurieann Gibson among those in attendance.
The event also highlighted Jason Lee’s Hollywood Cares Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underserved youth in Black and Brown communities through programming focused on youth leadership, civic engagement, and personal development. Guest donations raised money for the foundation on the night.
The ceremony was executive-produced by Jason Lee and Rob Smith and will air on the Zeus Network.
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
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