Gabrielle Union to Host, Janelle Monaé, Issa Rae to be Honored at Essence’s 10th Black Women in Hollywood Awards

In what has become one of the biggest pre-Oscar events in Hollywood, Essence’s annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards will celebrate its 10th anniversary this week.

The Black Women in Hollywood Awards highlight “ground-breaking” and “superbly talented” black women in Hollywood. Actress Gabrielle Union, who received a Fierce & Fearless award in 2013, will serve as the host for the event, which for the first time will be an evening affair after being held as a luncheon in its earlier years.

The awards this year spotlight Hollywood’s “Next Generation,” — the women who are excelling and elevating their crafts. Honorees include Issa Rae of HBO’s “Insecure,“ musician and “Hidden Figures” actress Janelle Monaé, “How To Get Away With Murder’s” Aja Naomi King, and “Black-ish” actress Yara Shahidi.

“For the past decade, the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards have paid homage to our modern image-makers—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes,” Essence Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. De Luca said in a statement. “This past year has been an exceptional one for diversity in film and television, and with the incredible contributions of Janelle, Issa, Aja and Yara, it is fitting that our 10th anniversary will honor the future of Hollywood and its continued steps on the path to inclusion.”

Last year, the Black Women in Hollywood Awards honored Tracee Ellis Ross (Fierce & Fearless award), Debbie Allen (Legend award) and entertainment attorney Nina Shaw. (Lincoln Power award).

The event will be held Feb. 23 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Photos from previous Black Women in Hollywood Award events are below