The 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards ceremony spotlighted established and emerging talent in the entertainment industry on Thursday night in Los Angeles. “One Battle After Another” breakout star Chase Infiniti and Kerry Washington, among others, styled designer looks for the red carpet occasion.
Schiaparelli, Brandon Maxwell and Cult Gaia were just a few of the designers featured at the event, along with archival moments thanks to Zendaya’s Eugene Alexander look, previously worn by Whitney Houston and Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw. Ahead, WWD breaks down even more celebrity style moments from the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood event.
Chase Infiniti
Chase Infiniti
Savion Washington
Styled by duo Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, Infiniti wore a look from Schiaparelli’s spring 2026 ready-to-wear collection, which debuted in October 2025. The black dress gave the Louis Vuitton brand ambassador’s style a contemporary edge, featuring a one-shoulder, formfitting silhouette with ruffles at the shoulder and drop waist. A gold chain bracelet gave Infiniti further contemporary edge.
Wunmi Mosaku
Wunmi Mosaku
Earl Gibson III
Wunmi Mosaku opted for a pearl-embellished Hertunba dress with a fringy waist. The sleeveless dress accentuated the “Sinners” Oscar nominee and provided textural juxtaposition thanks to the fringed waist. Gold jewelry pieces by Christina Caruso and Didris added more sparkle to the ensemble, curated by stylist Shameelah Hicks.
Halle Bailey
Earl Gibson III
Halle Bailey channeled Grecian goddess energy in a flowing olive green gown by Cult Gaia. The dress featured a high neckline with fabric draping, a cinched and ruched bodice with an airy skirt. Gold platform sandal heels by Dolce & Gabbana completed the ensemble, curated by stylist Byron Javar.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington
Earl Gibson III
Washington turned to Brandon Maxwell’s resort 2026 collection, wearing a softly toned dress with a black leather jacket. Accessorizing with Repossi earrings, Washington’s look evoked modern glamour with a slight edge. Styling duo Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn curated Washington’s look.
Coco Jones
Coco Jones
Savion Washington
Singer Coco Jones brought flower power to the red carpet in an embroidered dress by Tony Ward Couture. The singer’s dress was crafted with semi-sheer black fabric at the skirt with yellow and pink florals throughout and green botanical accents. A cutout and contrast fabric at the neckline provided the look with sartorial juxtaposition. Jones accessorized with jewelry pieces by L’Dezen. Stylist Vance Gamble curated the singer’s attire.
Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards featured a bevy of stars. Thursday’s night’s event celebrated the entertainment industry’s talented Black women and their impact on the culture in front of and behind the camera.
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