The Black Women in Hollywood luncheon celebrates the brightest stars who, through their work, have helped illuminate positive images of black women. With a theme entitled “Simply the Best”, the 4th annual event, sponsored by Essence magazine, honored Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Viola Davis and Jennifer Hudson.
And though those attending were the veritable who’s who of black Hollywood with a guest list that included Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, Vanessa Williams, Gabrielle Union, Jenifer Lewis, Kerry Washington, Jesse Williams, Tia and Tamera Mowry, Niecy Nash, Rutina Wesley, Jill Scott, Anika Noni Rose, Tichina Arnold, Brandy, Marsha Ambrosius, Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, Lauren London, Laz Alonzo, Lela Rochon, Forrest Whitaker, alongside more mainstream luminaries such as Amy Adams and Michael Patrick King, there was still an air of intimacy and connection throughout the affair at the Crystal Room at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Emotion, as well as a certain casting reality ran high on Thursday, best expressed by Angela Bassett — “We grow not so much in isolation but in community…” and “it’s cold in Hollywood.” During the course of the event, Bassett and others expressed their dismay with the continued cold shoulder so many of these incredible actresses of color receive when it comes to procuring and securing work. Good parts, bad, indifferent. Jobs are scarce. It all comes down to the fact, very few of these actresses are offered the kinds of parts their peers are who aren’t women of color.
In this so-called post-racial world of Obama and largely liberal Hollywood, when can we truly get to a place of parity when it comes to casting good talent?
One of the attendees, Elizabeth Hunter — co-writer and co-producer of Bassett’s upcoming film, Jump The Broom, reveals she got her job as a development executive because of Spike Lee. Lee told top brass at Universal they needed to hire more people of color. For Hunter, events like this are important to connect with peers, many of whom never get their Hollywood due.
Oscar winner Forest Whitaker introduced Angela Bassett, calling her “a larger than life presence.” The commanding Bassett spoke of the black feminine mystique and acknowledged and thanked her co-honorees for their grace and declarations of affirmation. She is a force and her presence is just as compelling in person as it is for most of the roles she plays.
Anika Noni Rose introduced Loretta Devine. In the film Dreamgirls, Rose reprises the role Devine had in the stage version of the musical. Devine also had a smaller role in the film. Rose spoke of Devine’s signature warmth and sass. Devine marveled over the last few months of awards season — the limos, hotel rooms and all the free accessible food. “Which you know I like.” With an appetite for life just as large as her penchant for four-star fare, Devine is as divine as they come.
Never one to pass on an assumption-shaking role, Oscar nominated Amy Adams (The Fighter) introduced the multidimensional Viola Davis. Says Adams, “Viola is fierce, compassionate and a wonderful example of what’s possible.” Davis has been on something of a run in recent years. Her Oscar nominated turn in Doubt and Tony Award winning part in the play Fences join a growing list of critically acclaimed and award-ready roles that have positioned her at the top of her class. An emotional Davis acknowledges the hard fight to get to this platform. “We are in the middle of a crisis. We are so severely underrepresented in this town. When young actresses used to ask me for advice, I would say ’ study, work hard, go to school, learn your craft,’ but now I don’t know what to say to them.”
Riveted, the supportive audience hung onto Davis’ every word. “Black actresses have had to toe up, because like rats going after one piece of cheese, we’re always in competition for that one role designated to us annually.” And while she’s aware of the problem, that’s not to say she doesn’t have a solution. “We can triumph from that, we are blessed to be able to dream so big! I prayed — and I still pray, and God puts people in your life that lead you when you can’t lead yourself.” The last statement was said of her husband. A man she credits with coming into her life 11 years ago and offering to not only show her the world, but the biggest dream she could find. She’s living it.
Jennifer Hudson is the youngest and least experienced of the honorees. The Oscar winner is also the most commercially recognized performer by a mainstream audience. Introduced by Sex and the City executive producer and writer, Michael Patrick King, a wide-eyed Hudson could hardly believe she was in the company of such storied women.
With her 1.5 year-old son in tow, an overwhelmed Hudson acknowledged the gifts of those who had come before — the women being honored with her and those in the audience — they opened the door for her to walk through. Hudson career stands to gain even more ground with her recent success as a Weight Watchers spokesperson, the recent release of chart-storming track from her second album and the leading role as Winnie Mandela in her upcoming film with Terrence Howard.
Essence is celebrating 41 years in business…let’s hope it won’t take another 41 years for women comparable to Bassett, Devine, Davis and Hudson to be feted at wonderful though necessary events like this luncheon. It’s time we see them on any stage, with their peers, being honored for bringing interesting, complex characters with great stories to life — no matter their race or gender.