ESSENCE HONORS LATIFAH, SALDANA, BLIGE AND SIDIBE: Ladies to receive awards at annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon.

   *Queen Latifah, Zoe Saldana, Mary J. Blige and Gabourey Sidibe are this year's honorees at the annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, to be held during Oscar Week on March 4, 2010 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

    "Our annual Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon is taking on special meaning in 2010 as we are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Essence magazine by paying homage to phenomenal women throughout the year," said Essence editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray. "We are proud to carry the Essence legacy into the future by honoring the accomplishments of such brilliant performers as Latifah, Zoe, Mary J., and Gabourey, whose incredible talent and sheer grit are serving to change the face of Hollywood."

     Queen Latifah will receive the Power Award, Zoe Saldana will be given the Star to Watch Award, Mary J. Blige has earned the Songstress of the Year honor and Gabourey Sidibe will be awarded Best Breakthrough Performance.

      The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon is an annual event to honor African-American women, who through their work in Hollywood—both in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes—have helped to change and inspire positive images of black women in television and film.