*OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and Essence today announced that the 2016 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards will air Saturday, February 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on OWN.
The annual event held during the week leading up to the Academy Awards spotlights the top African-American women who are pushing the limits, raising the bar and breaking through barriers in both film and television.
Honorees at the 9th annual ceremony include Tracee Ellis Ross (Fierce & Fearless Award); multi-talented producer, director and actress Debbie Allen (Legend Award); and entertainment attorney Nina Shaw (Lincoln Power Award).
The event will also include a performance by acclaimed R&B artist Leon Bridges, as well as appearances by Winfrey, Shonda Rhimes, Nick Cannon, Ryan Coogler, Zendaya and more.
Watch a promo below:
This year’s event, held at the famed Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California honors the “The Power of our Presence.” Airing for the second consecutive year on OWN, the special will feature exclusive backstage interviews, red-carpet highlights and intimate reflections from the talent.
“The ‘ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards’ have become one of the most celebrated occasions in Hollywood, providing a platform to showcase and elevate the achievements of African-American women in entertainment,” said Sheri Salata, president, OWN. “We are honored to partner with ESSENCE for the second year in a row to bring this intimate and powerful event to television, recognizing these trailblazing women.”
“We are pleased to once again partner with OWN to elevate the images of Black women in Hollywood,” noted Essence President Michelle Ebanks. “This Awards Season, as diversity in Hollywood dominates the conversation, ESSENCE is proud to continue the tradition of recognizing the talents and contributions of dynamic women such as Tracee Ellis Ross, Debbie Allen and Nina Shaw, who are on the leading edge of creating, performing and inspiring us all through their craft.”
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