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The 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards premiered Friday, March 15 at 9/8c on OWN and Max. ESSENCE was proud to celebrate this year's honorees, who have brought radiant power to the big and small screens through their work as film and television creatives.
From the boardroom to the box office, they've made magic happen through groundbreaking storytelling, while also setting the stage for a more inclusive and equitable Hollywood.
Check out the full 2024 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood Awards show, streaming now on OWN and MAX. Meet the 2024 Honorees
Danielle Brooks
Kathryn Busby is an award-winning screenwriter, director, producer, and decorated executive who is President of Original Programming at STARZ. A Harvard University graduate with over 25 years of experience leading production and development efforts across various platforms, including film, television, and music, Kathryn is a natural-born leader whose colorful career journey exemplifies what it means to operate at the highest levels of professional excellence consistently. To date, her impressive resume includes work on a host of noteworthy projects, including Sex In The City The Movie, The Awakening of Malcolm X, Sundance Film Festival standout Max and Josh, Apple TV’s The Afterparty, Third Rock From The Sun, and a series based on Kirsten Chen’s novel, Counterfeit. Before joining STARZ, where the current original programming slate features top trending shows like BMF, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, P-Valley, Power Book II: Ghost, and Power Book IV: FORCE, Kathryn held leadership positions like the Director of Comedy Development at Universal Television, Executive Vice President of Sony's Tristar Television, and Senior Vice President of Development for Sony Picture Networks. Through her board appointments and career, Kathryn has continued to spearhead initiatives that impact real change as a longtime champion for diversity, equity, and representation in the entertainment industry.
Nkechi Okoro Carroll is a groundbreaking writer and producer with a creative eye and ear for inclusive storytelling that is second to none. Nkechi completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before obtaining her master’s degree from New York University. She worked as an economist for the Federal Reserve for several years before pursuing a television career. She landed a job as a staff writer on the acclaimed series Bones early in her career. She later lent her talents to various other popular shows, including The Resident, All American, and Rosewood. In 2019, she became a showrunner for All American, steering the show to new heights of cultural relevance and critical acclaim. Under her leadership, the show tackled timely social issues, including police brutality, mental health, gun violence, substance abuse, activism, racial profiling, and teen pregnancy. The show has repeatedly been applauded for handling these sensitive topics with thoughtfulness and integrity in a way that resonates deeply with viewers. As she continues to shape the future of television, Nkechi Okoro Carroll remains a trailblazer, passionate advocate for equitable inclusion, and a visionary who inspires others to embrace their authenticity and share their stories with the world. With her talent, passion, and unwavering commitment to championing underrepresented voices, she continues to illuminate the way forward towards a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Halle Bailey is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress whose career journey in entertainment continues to inspire girls and young women worldwide. She first began chasing her dreams alongside her sister Chloe as one half of the dynamic R&B duo Chloe x Halle. Together, the sisters launched a YouTube channel when Halle was just 11 years old, which resulted in the now-viral cover of Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts.” The cover ultimately caught the attention of Beyoncé herself, who later signed the pair to her label, Parkwood Entertainment, in 2016. The duo has since released one EP and two critically acclaimed albums, both of which earned them Grammy nominations. Halle also released her debut solo single, “Angel,” in 2023, which earned her yet another Grammy nomination. As the world is still reeling from the success of The Little Mermaid, Halle made her mark on yet another cultural classic with her portrayal of Nettie in the star-studded second film adaptation of Alice Walker’s The Color Purple in 2023. She also lent her vocal talents to three songs on the film’s original soundtrack. With her magnetic stage presence, extraordinary vocal prowess, and commitment to breaking barriers in entertainment, Halle Bailey continues to solidify her status as a multifaceted star on the rise.
Danielle Brooks is an Oscar-nominated actress and Grammy Award-winning singer known for her powerful performances on stage and the screen. Danielle first rose to prominence with her breakout role as Tasha "Taystee" Jefferson in the Emmy-winning Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Her portrayal of the character brought nuance and humanity to the experience of navigating the challenges of life behind bars, earning her critical praise and multiple award nominations. In 2015, Danielle earned her first Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her performance in The Color Purple on Broadway, a performance that also earned her her first Grammy Award. Her portrayal of Sofia, a role made famous by Oprah Winfrey in the original film adaptation, garnered high praise for her soulful vocals and endearing stage presence. In 2023, Danielle brought Sofia to life as only she can yet again in the second film adaptation of The Color Purple, delivering scene-stealing performances alongside one of the most star-studded casts of the year. A consistent advocate for diversity, inclusion, and body positivity in the entertainment industry, Danielle has never hesitated to use her platform to lead by example for present and future generations. Through her craft, she continues to carve out an authentic legacy that will leave an indelible mark on the entertainment world for years.
HAlle Bailey
Nkechi okoro carroll
Kathryn Busby
before and that’s what excites me.”
“We’re powerful, we’re
strong, we’re amazing.”
“I can do the thing that I love
that’s been so healing to me.”
“The thing that keeps me
strong is my certainty.”
“Give me a world that I haven't seen
HAlle Bailey
Danielle Brooks
Nkechi okoro carroll
Kathryn Busby
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