- 1 day ago
Storm Reid, Deputy Editor Cori Murray, and Sr. Entertainment Editor Brande Victorian roll out the red carpet for your favorite celebs in this star-studded Pre-Show
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00:00Welcome to the pre-show for the 14th annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood
00:09Awards presented by Ford. I'm your host Storm Reid and I am literally so excited
00:16to be a part of this important night for Black Hollywood. The main show hosted by
00:21the fabulous Miss Laverne Cox will be honoring I mean so many incredible
00:27people. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner in Hollywood royalty Miss Whoopi
00:33Goldberg, multi-talented Emmy and Grammy Award winner Cynthia Erivo, trailblazer
00:39Michaela Cole, Emmy Award winner Zendaya, an Oscar nominated actress and songstress
00:46Andra Day. What an exciting night guys I mean I am truly elated to be here this is
00:53my first red carpet event since the whole pandemic and everything that has
00:58gone on in the world so I am honored to be here and to be a part of this beautiful
01:02night and you guys have a treat in store. Oh, I'm hearing we have a special delivery.
01:23Hi. Oh my god. Y'all, I'm freaking out. This is what tonight is all about. I mean, look at this. Five beautiful, incredible, talented, deserving women are going to get one of these tonight and I'm so excited. But first I'm going to toss over to Essence's senior entertainment editor Brandi
01:53Thank you Storm. Now the women I'm here with are not just my bosses but they're bosses in their own right. We have Caroline Wengas, CEO of Essence and Latrevia Smith-Wilson, our chief strategy and engagement officer. So tell us about this year. We know that this is a different black women in Hollywood experience but a dynamic one if I can say so myself. Tell us about pivoting this year and this theme of mastering our stories.
02:22Go ahead, Drew. Oh, thank you Caroline. So this year is a pivot in execution but absolutely not a pivot in purpose, right? And that is why it was so important that even in this age of COVID and the RONA that we ensure that we are still celebrating, that we are uplifting, that we are encouraging one another, right? It's needed more in this time really than in any time.
02:52So the essence of showing up, right? We show up for each other, right? We show up for each other as black women, as sisters, as comrades, as we lock arms and we show up no matter the weather. And so we're here. And it is such an honor to be able to celebrate the five women and honorees that we have for what they have accomplished over the course of both long careers and those that we look forward to what will come next for them as well. Right?
03:22There was no option. Yeah. And here we are. Yeah. I love that. I love that. I think it's, it's, it's a wonderful moment to acknowledge what has been true, which is we've always been good at celebrating ourselves agnostic if others don't see us.
03:34But what's beautiful with what we're able to do this year is we have a community of black women that are fueling homes, fueling lives, fueling communities, and the opportunity for them to go on this journey with us this year that has been brought forth by DORONA is what we're most excited about because the community gets to participate differently.
03:55Yeah. And I think that's just such a wonderful theme and analogy for who black women are. We are some shape-shifting chameleon type people, right? Whose power has been. Make a way out of anywhere. Silver spoon out of plastic.
04:09And I think that part of what we have a theme around doing is agnostic of the fact that people have tried to limit access because of the threat of our power. We've always been able to manifest through, right? And, and with all attempts to diminish it, it still shines.
04:25And to be able to have that be happen in a year where the world was brought together by what it means to be human, for humanity, to have black women continue to set the tone for what culture and gathering looks like, even when the world is in lockdown, I just think it speaks to our power and the five women we're honoring today are just wonderful examples of that.
04:42Yes. And listen. Oh, I was just going to pick up on, on that quickly.
04:47It's so incredible that for the first time we are able to invite the world in to Caroline's point, right?
04:54We are generally in a room with hundreds of people, but not millions of people.
05:00And so now we get to invite everyone in to experience this magic because that's what it is.
05:07This is black girl magic headquarters. Yes.
05:09And we are bringing the magic and everyone now has the opportunity to see it.
05:13So that is one of the most exciting things for us this year.
05:16Yes, I agree. And let's talk about the nominees.
05:19We have Cynthia Rebo. Yes.
05:21Michaela Cole. Yes.
05:22Zendaya. Yes.
05:24Andra Day. Yes.
05:26Whoopi Goldberg. Yes.
05:27I'm a little black woman in a big silver box. Yes.
05:30What projects from some of our honorees stand out to you as just really exemplifying mastering stories?
05:37So for me, it's Michaela Cole in Chewing Gum.
05:39Okay.
05:40So I'm a Kenyan by birth, not a marathon one, just a regular one, just in case anybody's wondering, not from that tribe.
05:46But one of the things that Michaela Cole did for me in the Chewing Gum project was she mastered the awkwardness
05:54of the immigrant transition into Western society when your parents are not first generation born in that country.
06:02And you are and you over here try to be like, nobody wants to do that.
06:06And then on the other side, you're like, what up, girl?
06:08Right. And you're living in this like duality.
06:10And your mom still thinks y'all back in your country and tries to make you do stuff.
06:13And nobody comes to sleep over your house because your food smells funny like that's the kind of stuff.
06:17And so it just validated I watched that whole show like, yes, that's my mom and that's me.
06:21And so I just appreciate what Michaela Cole did to validate the immigrant journey from Africa to Western countries,
06:29because the struggle is real and funny.
06:31I don't have a project.
06:32I have a portfolio, right, of just an amazing career.
06:35And that's Whoopi Goldberg, who is one of very few overall, but the absolute only black woman he got.
06:44Right. And so think about what that requires over the course of a career.
06:49And to be able to honor her and give her her flowers while she is here means everything.
06:55Yeah.
06:56Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony.
06:59Yes.
07:01Thank you so much for taking your time.
07:03Thank you for the work you've done.
07:04Thank you for just the celebration that we're having for black women in Hollywood this year.
07:08Brandy, thank you.
07:09Thank you, sis.
07:10We can't make any of this work without our team.
07:14And so thank you for doing everything that you do to make all of us look good.
07:19And having recently joined us, welcome home.
07:21Yes, that's right.
07:23Wherever you've been, honey, you're home now.
07:25All right.
07:25Thank you. I receive it.
07:28Thank you all.
07:29Back to you, Storm.
07:31I believe Deputy Editor Corey Murray has a virtual guest.
07:35What's up, Ms. Corey?
07:37Thank you so much.
07:39You know, I've been going to Black Women Hollywood for years, so I wasn't going to miss it, even if I have to attend it in my bedroom.
07:45I got dressed up and I'm excited to talk to this beautiful actress who blew me away in the Genius Aretha series.
07:52Please welcome Patrice Covington.
07:55Thank you, Corey.
07:56I was so excited.
07:58Yeah.
07:59Well, I loved you in the show.
08:02I loved you.
08:03I loved you.
08:03I loved you.
08:04But let's get right to it.
08:06You were in the era or the globe of Cynthia Erivo, one of our honorees tonight.
08:12Please tell us about working with this phenomenal honoree.
08:16It is such an honor and a pleasure to be able to have been part of seeing her star rise when she first got here from London and was in the color purple in 2015.
08:26And it was like, who's this little girl from London?
08:29And then, wow, who's this big voice, this big talent, this amazing human being from London in this beautiful life changing show?
08:37It has been wowing and inspiring to watch her star rise and the Vanguard Award is perfect for her.
08:45She's played a vast array of characters and I just think that it's perfect that, you know, she used to have this thing in her Instagram bio that said, I'm a singer and an actor, not more or less of one than the other.
08:55And I think that's so true, and it also goes with my motto, don't be a star, be a galaxy, we can literally do everything there is, you know, there's no limit to where you can shine the most.
09:07And I think she does both equally well.
09:10Now, like Cynthia, you are also a Black woman in Hollywood, a Ventee, no, no, actually, you're not a Ventee, you are a Black woman in Hollywood, you're a working actress, beautiful work coming.
09:22What does it mean to be in Hollywood at this moment?
09:25It's just beautiful.
09:27You know, I, this is, this was my series regular debut and Genius Aretha as Irma Franklin.
09:32And, you know, there have been times where I've been like, I wish I could have been in that or why wasn't I in that?
09:37And it's just so perfectly ordained, you know, like it always is.
09:41We completely wonder why, and then it's like, duh, this is why.
09:45And, you know, and this is even happens.
09:48Like, you know, I, we didn't get to do the, the real life red carpets and the parties and the premiers and all of that, but everything has just been so beautiful.
09:56And I have to tell you, Essence Black Women in Hollywood, you know, I call myself a master, a master manifester.
10:02And this has been on my list of things to do in my life.
10:06And I'm just, I'm equally as happy and excited to be virtually sitting in my house.
10:11I got real cute slippers on, but a full gown, like I'm really there because this is such a big deal.
10:17Being a Black woman in Hollywood is always going to mean the most to me.
10:21And really, it means the most to everybody because without us, what would it be looking like?
10:26Girl.
10:27Huh?
10:28Very pale.
10:29That's all I'm saying.
10:30Very pale.
10:31Gland.
10:31I like what you said about manifestation, a quick Black Women in Hollywood story.
10:36You know, one year we interviewed Tiffany Haddish for our podcast.
10:41And at the end of our podcast, I was like, hey, do you want to come?
10:44We have an extra seat at the table.
10:45And she was like, girl, yeah.
10:47She ran home.
10:48I think she put on that white dress that she loves to wear.
10:50Because she said she loves to wear.
10:52The next year we were honoring her.
10:53So, Ms. Patrice, you being a master manifester, you never know what will happen in 2022 for you.
11:00I 100% received that.
11:03I'm going to wear the same dress.
11:04I'm going to put on some real shoes.
11:06And you're like, Corey Murray said it.
11:07But one more thing I want to ask you about, and it's really important, speaking about Hollywood at this time.
11:13You know, tomorrow at our Hollywood house, we're going to do a lot of talks and panel conversations about being authentic and equity right now in Hollywood.
11:20But as a Black woman in Hollywood, what does your worth mean to you?
11:25Or when did you discover your worth?
11:27And how does that manifest in the work that you choose to take and how you carry yourself as you, you know, as you present yourself to the world as an actress?
11:37Corey, girl, it was the biggest, like, almost slap in the face.
11:43Like, I've been always saying, okay, like, I know my worth.
11:45Like, I just need to, like, exercise and speak on it.
11:48But I would be afraid to, like, a lot of us are.
11:50And I've done a lot of recording in the music industry.
11:53And I was doing a demo for a well-known legendary artist.
11:57And this was my first time doing something like that.
12:00And I didn't know what I should charge.
12:02They asked me, like, well, what's your fee?
12:03And I would call my friends, like, well, what should I charge?
12:05And I talked to a friend who said a number.
12:08And I was like, I feel like I should be getting paid more than that.
12:11But, okay.
12:14So, as I'm doing the project, they had this, like, huge candy dish, Corey.
12:19Like, life-size three-and-a-half-foot candy dish.
12:22The day that I realized what my worth was is when I found out they paid more for the candy in that candy dish than I was about to ask for my fee.
12:32Oh, my God.
12:34Bubble gum?
12:35Over my talent?
12:36No, baby.
12:38And that was the day.
12:39I said, this is it.
12:40And from that day forward, I've never been afraid to ask for what I feel like I deserve.
12:46Girl, aim picture.
12:49You're not going to get more for bubble gum than me.
12:52Nope.
12:52Thank you for that.
12:54Thank you, Patrice.
12:55Thank you so much.
12:57Of course.
12:59Wow.
13:00What Patrice had to say about manifestation has got me really thinking about the women in my life who really inspired me.
13:07But what about you?
13:08Do you know a woman who's doing beautiful things for herself or for her community?
13:13Nominate her to be a L'Oreal Paris Woman of Worth.
13:16Go to womanofworth.com right now.
13:21Now, y'all, we have the incomparable, amazing, beautiful host, Miss Laverne Cox.
13:30I'm so excited to see you.
13:31You look incredible.
13:33You look incredible.
13:34And I'm so proud of you.
13:35Look at you.
13:36It just makes me so happy.
13:38Okay, I have a question.
13:39Did you coordinate your outfit with the silhouette?
13:42We had no idea.
13:44It just worked out perfectly.
13:45I'm wearing Lavi by CK, by the way.
13:47I'm wearing all black designers tonight, which I'm really excited about.
13:51Amazing.
13:51And I know you got honored at this award show a few years ago.
13:55So how does it feel to be the host now?
13:58It feels incredible.
14:00Essence has been so amazing to me over the years.
14:04And I love Essence Magazine.
14:05When I was a kid, the magazine would come to my house and I would, like, snatch it up before my mom even saw it.
14:11My mom would be at work.
14:12And so it just feels so amazing to be hosting this award show after Essence has been in my life, my whole life.
14:18It's just incredible.
14:19Well, you deserve everything.
14:20And I have one more question because I know you got to get to hosting.
14:23Mm-hmm.
14:24But what was the moment or what are the few moments in your career or in your life where you felt most seen, heard, and celebrated by black women?
14:33Well, I mean, this, you know, when I, my first Essence cover, I shot with, oh, my gosh, I would, Alfre Woodard and Danai Guerrera and Nicole Bahari.
14:47And there was a moment when, before we were getting ready and Alfre came to me and said just something.
14:55We should have waited to save it on camera.
14:56She just said incredibly beautiful things to me.
14:59This is in 2014.
15:00I think I had just gotten my first Emmy nomination.
15:02And Alfre is just like, it was such a beautiful moment that we were all there together.
15:07And she's just this legend who was just so incredible.
15:10And that happened on the set of, you know, an Essence magazine shoot.
15:14And it just felt incredible.
15:15Well, we're inspired by you.
15:17I'm inspired by you.
15:19I'm glad to be in your orbit.
15:21But I know you got a host.
15:22So I think you, I think you should go.
15:24I have to go.
15:24I got to go.
15:25But I'm so proud of you.
15:26You're, you're killing it.
15:28And I'm just, your parents must be amazing.
15:30I think, like, so often, like, some of the, our young people don't, you know.
15:35But your parents are obviously amazing.
15:37And you're amazing.
15:38And I'm so proud of you.
15:40Keep doing what you're doing.
15:41Love you.
15:42Yes.
15:42This eye shadow, like, whatever this eyeliner moment is, is sickening.
15:47It's gorgeous.
15:48Work.
15:48I gotta go.
15:49Bye.
15:49Love you.
15:50Love you.
15:50And now a special word from our sponsor.
15:53So, the good food.
16:04Yes.
16:04It looks amazing.
16:05Perfect bite.
16:06You're going to get a little bit of mac and cheese.
16:08You're going to get some sweet potatoes.
16:09Okay.
16:10And then you're going to take the crunch of the chicken.
16:12Uh-huh.
16:13The crunch.
16:13Or the chick-in, if you're vegan.
16:15You know what.
16:16Okay?
16:16And you're just going to get the little crunch.
16:18The salty and the sweet.
16:19It's everything.
16:20This is Noelle Lambert.
16:28When an accident redefined her future, she created a foundation to help young amputees.
16:34L'Oreal Paris honors her as a woman of worth.
16:37Women who embrace their strength, their vision, and their worth to make a difference.
16:48Visit L'OrealParis.com and nominate your woman of worth.
16:53L'Oreal Paris.
16:54Because you're worth it.
16:55We're gathering the voices of black women from the continent and across the diaspora.
17:10Reflecting on 2020.
17:11The year that changed the world.
17:13A Can't Miss Town Hall addressing our wellness.
17:16Wealth.
17:17The global fight for social justice.
17:19And thriving together as we move forward.
17:22I am speaking.
17:23Listen.
17:25May 6, 2021.
17:267 p.m.
17:27Eastern Standard Time.
17:28Streaming on EssenceStudios.com and Essence.com.
17:31Or watch via Facebook Live.
17:34Follow at Essence for more info.
17:36Hi guys.
18:01Welcome back to the pre-show.
18:03And I am here with Miss Leslie Jones, the hilarious, beautiful, talented woman.
18:08Thank you, girl.
18:09Keep going.
18:11I love this suit.
18:12We love a suit moment.
18:13So can you tell us a little bit about your fashion?
18:15Yes.
18:15I hope I got this name right.
18:17But it's Tahari.
18:18Okay.
18:18Yes.
18:19Well, you look beautiful.
18:20How do you feel about being able to present to one of your idols, Miss Whoopi Goldberg?
18:26I was just telling someone how surreal this is that I was a little girl in the living room
18:32watching her on television going, I'm going to be just like her.
18:35I get to do this and then now I'm presenting a war to her that is just surreal.
18:42It's almost like not real.
18:44Do you get what I'm saying?
18:45Like a couple of times, you know, preparing the speech, I was just like in tears because
18:50I was just like, oh my God, I forgot this lady has done so much for me, you know?
18:53So it's an honor to be here.
18:56Well, that's beautiful.
18:57I know you love to turn up, though.
18:59Turn up is what I do, girl.
19:01There's nowhere to go but up.
19:03Why go down?
19:04Well, okay.
19:06Exactly.
19:07And black women are making strides in front of and behind the camera.
19:11So to describe this moment, what would you put on your black women are lit playlist?
19:16Like one song you had to pick.
19:18Oh, if I had to play one song.
19:20For the black women are lit playlist.
19:22Ooh, that is a, ooh, ooh, oh.
19:27Think about it.
19:28Oh, maybe some Chaka Khan, I'm Every Woman.
19:31Oh.
19:32I'm Every Woman.
19:33I'm Every Woman.
19:36It's all in me.
19:39Anything you want done, baby.
19:41Exactly.
19:42Do it naturally.
19:43Yeah.
19:44And my last question is, what's coming up for you next?
19:46I mean, you're doing everything.
19:47So much stuff is coming up.
19:49I'm really trying to make it in Hollywood now.
19:52You know, I'm trying to be a big store.
19:55Yeah, you know, we got Supermarket Sweep coming back up.
19:57I got a couple of movie projects coming back up.
19:59A lot of exciting things for black women in Hollywood.
20:03Hollywood.
20:04Well, I'm proud of you.
20:05You're an inspiration.
20:06Thank you for being here.
20:07Thank you for having me with your beautiful, you look like a gold statue.
20:11That's so cute.
20:12Oh, I wasn't this cute when I was young.
20:14Over to you, Brandy.
20:17So I am joined here with activist Tarana Burke, who is presenting to Makayla Cole tonight.
20:23Thank you so much for being here with us.
20:26I would love if you could talk a little bit about what it means to be a part of Black Women
20:29in Hollywood this year and specifically to be presenting for Makayla Cole.
20:32I'm so excited to be here this year.
20:34I know it took a lot for Essence to pull this together.
20:37And it's really special that they made the effort to make sure that this was continued
20:41because it's a really important event.
20:42Yeah.
20:42And, you know, I can't say enough about Makayla Cole.
20:45I just, the minute I got the invitation, I was like, oh, absolutely.
20:49Absolutely.
20:50I don't think that we call her name enough.
20:52I don't think that she gets enough recognition for the impact that she's having on society
20:57and in our community specifically.
20:59I just adore her.
21:00Yeah.
21:01And, you know, Makayla is just one of our five honorees this year.
21:04We also have Zendaya, Andrea Day, Whoopi Goldberg, you know, just a list of people with a long
21:10legacy of projects.
21:11So one question we're asking is, is there a project from any of our honorees this year
21:15that just stands out to you as an example of mastering their stories?
21:19Well, I mean, obviously Makayla Cole, right?
21:21I Made Destroy You was amazing.
21:22But, you know, I grew up listening to Whoopi Goldberg's debut comedy album.
21:26Oh, yes.
21:27Like, I knew it by heart.
21:28I used to walk around singing around the world.
21:33And I think very early on, she was an example of a black woman who mastered her story on her
21:38own terms.
21:39Absolutely.
21:39And so I think it's so amazing that we're honoring her as well tonight.
21:43Like, she's definitely, you know, charted her own course in Hollywood and done it her way.
21:48So I think that's amazing.
21:49Yes.
21:50Well, since you gave us a little tune already, I'm going to ask you.
21:54Because we're also, you know, it's a celebration.
21:56We love music.
21:57Every woman has a black woman, a lit playlist or something they turn up to.
22:01So what song is on yours?
22:03Oh, Mary.
22:04Okay.
22:05Everybody knows me knows I'm Mary J. Blige all day.
22:08Okay.
22:09So, I mean, she makes me feel energetic.
22:11Keeps me going.
22:12I just, you know, her last album especially.
22:14I play that one a lot from the first to the last.
22:17Okay.
22:18So it's hard to pick.
22:19Yeah.
22:20I know.
22:21And then lastly, I mean, we get to dress up for like the first time in almost a year.
22:26I think for like, exactly.
22:28Come on.
22:29Functional, fashionable.
22:32Yes.
22:33But I was looking at your earrings.
22:34So tell us who is responsible for these.
22:37Listen, this is a sister.
22:38Okay.
22:39The name of the company is Found Objects.
22:41Okay.
22:42She does these beautiful earrings, handmade.
22:45These are leather.
22:46And people think they're metal, but they're leather.
22:48Please, you should check out her website.
22:50Okay.
22:50I got them from We Are Maud, which is another black-owned company, a black woman who does
22:56jewelry and other things.
22:58Check both of them out.
22:59Found Objects, and We Are Maud.
23:00Okay.
23:01You're on it.
23:02Well, thank you so much for being here with us.
23:04It's a pleasure.
23:04It's an honor to have you, and we're just excited to celebrate black women.
23:08It's glad to be here.
23:14Tomorrow, tune in at 7 p.m. Eastern for Essence Hollywood House.
23:19You'll be hearing from influential voices and industry power players about what it really
23:25takes to successfully navigate Hollywood from both in front and behind the camera.
23:31Oh, and did I mention that I'm hosting it?
23:35And you can check it out on EssenceStudios.com.
23:38Back to you, Corey.
23:39This next guest really gave me a gift last fall when she was featured in and produced one of
23:51the most beautiful docuseries that I saw based on the bestselling book, Between the World
23:55and Me.
23:56You know her from This Is Us, but I love her for this.
23:59And also, she's a proud HBCU grad.
24:02Please welcome Susan Keleche-Wasson.
24:05Hi.
24:07Hi.
24:08How are you?
24:09Good.
24:09Now, I have to say, as someone who's also gone to an HBCU, I thought about wearing this.
24:17Oh, boy.
24:18You were trying to start something?
24:19I was trying to start something.
24:23Let's keep the peace.
24:24We're going to keep the peace.
24:26Who's the real HBCU?
24:27Okay, we're going to leave that on.
24:28We're going to go there, Howard, but we don't need to go there.
24:30Okay.
24:30But I would love to talk to you about your time at Howard because, just very briefly,
24:37because you met a wonderful young man that the world knows now as one of the greatest
24:42writers, and you helped bring to life his story Between the World and Me.
24:45What was that like, bringing Ta-Nehisi Coates' work to the screen?
24:51You know, it was an amazing thing to be able to do because it resonated with so many people.
24:58So, to have the opportunity to do something that was doing and reaching so many people
25:05on its own in a book form, and then to put that on HBO and HBO Max that reaches so many
25:13people through television and film, and it made sense to, especially in the time that
25:23we were in last year, in order to reach as many people as we wanted to reach in order
25:27to continue the conversation and keep people engaged and also help us as a people to metabolize
25:34all the trauma that was going on and to find a way to unite around something that would
25:44address the issue, but also try to maintain a sense of positivity about it, a sense of hope
25:49about it.
25:50His work really just spoke to the heart of what was going on.
25:56It did so when it came out and it continues to do so.
25:59So, and that was one of the main points is that, you know, look at where we were six years
26:05ago with Mike Brown, seven years ago, and look at where we are, you know, with George Floyd
26:11and start to move this needle, you know what I mean?
26:16In the right direction, you know, immediately.
26:20Absolutely.
26:21No, thank you for it.
26:22It was, it was so beautifully done as is your work on This Is Us, and you've also attended
26:26the Black Women Hollywood event.
26:28What do you miss about being there?
26:30I mean, I think I miss seeing everybody hug, what are you, what are you, what is your big
26:34takeaway from attending?
26:35I was going to say all the Black women, you know, it's an opportunity to see everybody in
26:40the same room as an opportunity to meet new people who do inspire, you know, my own performance
26:47or people who have inspired me over the years, it's an opportunity to meet the people that
26:52are coming up in my generation now and, and, and people who are now moving the needle and
26:59moving the culture forward, making new friends, and yes, the hugs, like, I'll miss that.
27:05I'll miss going from table, you know, table to table, table hopping, just saying hi and
27:10connecting.
27:11It's such an important thing to do, we're all in the together, you know?
27:15Yeah.
27:16When we plan this show, you, you know about run a show.
27:19So there's always this moment where we're like, we got to give them about 10 more minutes
27:23just to like sit down because everybody's going to table, like you said, table to table
27:27and give it.
27:28Yeah.
27:29Yeah.
27:30That's a great part of it.
27:31You know, that's the, that's the fun of it.
27:32When I wasn't on, um, this is us yet.
27:36And I was, you know, struggling artists in New York and I would hear about the black women
27:41in Hollywood luncheon.
27:42And I'm telling you, like I'm telling you, I was like, yeah, when I get there, I'm going
27:46to that luncheon.
27:47That's the luncheon I want to be at.
27:48So it's amazing to be here now.
27:50Well, we're going to come back big and strong next year, but we do have some heavy hitters
27:55this time.
27:56Is there any one of our honorees that has really inspired you or you have looked towards as a mentor?
28:02Yeah.
28:03Or a mentee.
28:04I would have to say, I would have to say Whoopi Goldberg because my first major encounter
28:11with Whoopi's, you know, brilliance was, um, when I was young and my mom, you know, would,
28:18would get us videos from like the library to, to watch while she was at work or my father was
28:26at work.
28:27And, um, we would get like comedy, a lot of comedy because we are just come from a very
28:34comedic family and we really enjoyed that.
28:36And so one of the things that we rented that my mom rented back in the day was Whoopi Goldberg's
28:44comedy special.
28:45And I promise you, I memorized it first of all, from front to back.
28:52Um, there are, there are parts of it right now that I could still reiterate, you know,
28:58that if Whoopi's watching this when, you know, around the world in 80 days, you know, and
29:08she's playing like this homeless woman who, you know, she played a young black girl who
29:13wished they had long, beautiful blonde hair and would tie like a pillowcase around her
29:17head.
29:18And I remember all of this, you know, as, as a young one trying to not only, not only
29:23was I being entertained, but I was learning comedy at the same time.
29:26I was learning comic timing.
29:27And so that was why I memorized her because it was captivating to me and to see her, you
29:34know, not only do comedy, but do drama and to, you know, host a talk show to, to be a part
29:43of the culture in the way that she has and be one of the first, if not the first to EGOT,
29:50you know, um, I mean, Whoopi Goldberg is, is truly an inspiration and to be around, to
29:58influence, um, generation after generation with your work is an extraordinary thing.
30:04Not everybody, you know, gets to do that.
30:07Not everybody's able to do that.
30:09And I have appreciated her for a long time.
30:12And I, I want to say that publicly how much I appreciate her and what she's done and how
30:18she's inspired me.
30:19Um, especially, uh, with her comedic talents.
30:22I just, I just love it.
30:24No, she's, uh, an absolute pleasure.
30:27And it's funny, a quick backstory.
30:29We've tried to honor her at least three or four years, but you know, she doesn't fly.
30:34She doesn't really like to fly.
30:36That's right.
30:37She's definitely afraid.
30:38So every time we had our event, it was never an alignment when, when she would be scheduled
30:43to come and she was like, I can't come before.
30:45I don't want to fly that early.
30:47Um, but when COVID happened, we were like, this is it.
30:50This is it.
30:51Right.
30:52We can get her.
30:53We can get her.
30:54And I mean, she said yes immediately.
30:56And watching her video package, which you're going to see very shortly.
30:59Uh, it's all the things that you said, it's that, that scene where she's, you know, I, I too
31:04remember, uh, watching that special and really looking at her and going, wow, this is someone
31:10who is telling so many stories, um, with this one body, this one voice, uh, with those locks.
31:17It was, it was, it was, it really left a hold on you.
31:20So.
31:21Right.
31:22Oh my God.
31:25I cannot wait till we can go back outside and what we're getting there.
31:27And, you know, again, we're going to be in that beautiful ballroom again and can't wait
31:31to see you in person, but I'm thankful that we have you on television every week.
31:36Um, is there anything you'd like to share about what's coming up next for you?
31:41Are you going to be producing again?
31:43I am.
31:44I am.
31:45I'm in the process of, of producing right now.
31:48Um, uh, there, there, there are projects that are, you know, just kind of getting off
31:55the ground and, you know, with between the world and me, we did that really kind of in
32:01really, really quickly from the time we conceived the idea of putting it on TV to the time that
32:09we, it actually went up on HBO was like very last week of June to November, you know?
32:17So that was a really short period of time, but there's a film that I've written that I'm
32:22producing and there's some other projects that are, that are coming up that I'm producing.
32:26I really love it.
32:27I just love that side of it and that part of it and being able to find, you know, work
32:34that I feel moves me.
32:37And so I hope it moves other people when work doesn't feel like work.
32:41I love it.
32:42And so producing and producing things that, um, fascinate me, it doesn't feel like work
32:49to me, you know, that's, that's what I love.
32:52Oh, and we love you, Susan.
32:54Thank you so much.
32:55Thank you so much.
32:56Thank you so much.
32:57Take care.
32:58Enjoy the show.
32:59I will.
33:00We have so much more on the way.
33:03Please stick around for more Black Women in Hollywood pre-show.
33:08This is Noel Lambert.
33:09When an accident redefined her future, she created a foundation to help young amputees.
33:20L'Oreal Paris honors her as a woman of worth.
33:25The women who embrace their strength, their vision, and their worth to make a difference.
33:34Visit l'orealparis.com and nominate your woman of worth.
33:38L'Oreal Paris.
33:39Because you're worth it.
33:40Technology has advanced so extraordinarily that it can actually learn the behaviors of
33:49people and adapt to them.
33:51But just how precise can this personalized tool get?
33:56Can it tell the difference between two people who the human eye would deem identical?
34:01Y'all, I am so excited to be standing next to the incredible, amazing, beautiful, talented Oscar
34:30nominated actress, Miss Andra Day.
34:34You're honoree tonight.
34:35You're singing.
34:36You just do it all.
34:38Thank you, love.
34:39Likewise.
34:40Not really, but okay.
34:41Also looking great too, right?
34:42Thank you guys for matching.
34:44I was just thinking, golden lady, golden.
34:47We got the memo.
34:48Right.
34:49Shout out Stevie.
34:50What are you wearing tonight?
34:51Tonight I am wearing Elliot, which is a Black designer.
34:54So I'm really excited about that.
34:55Yes.
34:56What do you have on?
34:57A custom product.
34:58Okay.
35:00You have so much going on.
35:02Like I said, I am so proud of you.
35:04Thank you so much.
35:05How do you feel?
35:06Like just blanketly, how do you feel in these times with you just taking over?
35:10Aw, thank you.
35:12I feel, let's see.
35:13Yeah.
35:14I think a simple way to put it, I'll just sum it up by just saying I feel grateful.
35:17You know, I definitely feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
35:20Disoriented, but grateful.
35:22Understandable.
35:23So this is the Black Women in Hollywood Awards and you are being honored and I am so proud
35:28of you, like I said.
35:31But in your day to day life, when do you feel most empowered as a Black woman in Hollywood?
35:37All the time, honestly.
35:38You know what I mean?
35:39I think because I'm a Black woman in Hollywood, right?
35:41Right.
35:42That's a little bit of part of our DNA.
35:43I think, you know, I hear all these studies that talk about how PTSD, right, is now written
35:47into our genetic code because of years of oppression.
35:49But I think along with that and even stronger than that is our triumph, you know, and so
35:53I feel empowered and I feel strong as a Black woman, you know, all the time.
35:58I don't necessarily have to be in a position of even leadership to feel powerful.
36:02I think sometimes I even feel more powerful when I'm actually supporting, you know, other
36:06Black women and lifting them up.
36:07Right.
36:08And so, yeah, I always do, but particularly when I'm supporting us.
36:11Exactly.
36:12Well, thank you for taking up space unapologetically.
36:15I know you have to get in there and perform and shut the house down, but I just want to
36:19say you're on my list of people I want to work with.
36:22Yes.
36:23Can we try to make that happen?
36:24Let's do it.
36:25Absolutely.
36:26Absolutely.
36:27Because we're already, like, we're coming together.
36:28Exactly.
36:29This is happening already.
36:30Right.
36:31Okay.
36:32Absolutely.
36:33Likewise.
36:34I'm so excited to see your performance.
36:36Back to you, Corey.
36:37Hey, y'all.
36:38We're back.
36:39And this next guest is in the most controversial, most talked about, but eerily good show that's
36:43on television right now.
36:46Them, please welcome to our pre-show red carpet, Shahadi Wright Joseph.
36:52Hi.
36:53Hi.
36:54How are you?
36:55I'm good.
36:56How are you?
36:57Good.
36:58All right.
36:59I have a small confession.
37:00I don't do horror.
37:01I don't do horror.
37:02I don't do it.
37:03I don't like it, but I did them.
37:06You did.
37:07I loved it, but it's scary.
37:10So I gotta know, do you do horror?
37:12Yes.
37:13You do horror because of us, though.
37:15Yes.
37:16I love watching horror.
37:17It's probably one of my favorite genres.
37:19Really?
37:20How do you, like, separate the blood and the, I mean, I guess you're an actor, so.
37:24Yeah, yeah, yeah.
37:25You see all the behind the scenes stuff.
37:27It doesn't seem as scary once you're, you know, watching the finished product.
37:31What did you love when you got that script?
37:35When I first got the script, I read it and it literally felt like I was reading a good
37:40book and I could not stop reading it.
37:42And it was really exciting.
37:43And I think that that's when I know that I really want to do a project is when I would
37:47want to watch it, you know, even though, even if I weren't a part of the entire project,
37:52like I would still want to watch it.
37:53So it was very, it was very intriguing just to read.
37:56Now, were you prepared for, you know, a lot of the feedback a lot of people had about
38:02this series?
38:03Very.
38:04Yes, I was, I was prepared for it.
38:07As soon as I had heard that I had, you know, booked the role, I already knew that it was
38:12going to be such a controversial topic, something so touchy, something so, you know, so terrifying.
38:21I think I knew that everybody was going to react the way that they did.
38:24So I was pretty, it was pretty expected.
38:27So now that this, that I still haven't seen the final series, the final scenes, but I'm
38:34prepared.
38:35I'm prepared.
38:36And now that I see you, I'm going to be like, no, it's just a movie.
38:38It's just a movie.
38:39It's just a movie.
38:40Yeah.
38:41Although it was some very real horrors, but we're going to move on to something that's
38:45a little less scary.
38:46And something more beautiful is black women in Hollywood.
38:49Now you have attended the event in the past, right?
38:52Yes.
38:53I went last year.
38:54What did you love about it?
38:55What have you, and what are you missing about not being there in person?
38:58I think that my favorite thing about it and also what I miss was just the energy.
39:02It felt like such a loving space, you know, and all of my idols in one room, you know,
39:08that was so, it was so exciting for me, you know, and I also had some of my closest
39:12friends right beside me.
39:14So it was such a great event.
39:16And I still, oh my God, I still like, I'm always remembering it.
39:20I always have so many pictures from it.
39:22It was the best.
39:23I had the best time.
39:24Now we are honoring some pretty amazing women, if I have to say so myself, but is there
39:30anyone of our honorees this year that you really looked towards as inspiration or who
39:35has served as sort of a mentor for you?
39:38Yeah, I would most definitely say Andra Day and Zendaya.
39:41Well, as we know, Zendaya was probably one of the, one of the first black girls that
39:47I really saw on Disney Channel, like the first form of, you know, representation that
39:51I saw for myself.
39:52So it was very, it's very heartwarming to see her, you know, grow into this beautiful
39:58woman that she is today.
40:00And to see her doing such amazing work, it really, it really warms my heart.
40:03I love that.
40:04And just watching Miss Andra Day, you know, be the role of Miss Billie Holiday.
40:09That was so inspiring.
40:11I, she really killed that role.
40:13It was fantastic.
40:15She really did.
40:16I was, you know, I expected her the singing, but then the acting that came through.
40:21She put me in here to all the backstory of what she did, like, you know, the, all the
40:27weight that she left.
40:28I mean, she lost and having to smoke, man.
40:31I give it to you actors.
40:32When you guys throw yourself into something, we hear the beneficiaries.
40:36Yeah.
40:37So thank you so much.
40:40What would be next for you now that them is wrapped and you know,
40:43Now that them is wrapped, I think that I'm going to branch out into other genres, not necessarily
40:48horror since my last two projects have been, you know, horror based.
40:52Um, you know, I have something that I'm filming in the summer.
40:55Um, but of course I can't talk about it to you, but you know, we'll talk in private.
40:59Um, but yeah.
41:01And last question I wanted to ask you, because tomorrow during our Hollywood house event,
41:06we're going to be talking a lot about equity and actors and really about, um, when as a talent,
41:12you've really decided and, and embrace your worth.
41:15Have you had a moment like that where you've embraced your worth?
41:18And what was that moment like for you?
41:20Wow.
41:21Um, I think that it was, I think that that time was probably when I had first gotten into the acting industry.
41:28Um, and I had just kept auditioning and kept booking more roles.
41:32And I, I could literally, I could see myself growing right in front of my eyes.
41:36Um, so I feel like that's when I knew that, you know, I was, I mean, like, I always knew that I was like talented per se.
41:44But you know, like that I needed to use my gifts and that I needed to share this with the world.
41:50And then I really, you know, I need to showcase my work.
41:53And now that I know it, I need to put it out there for the world to see.
41:57So Hadi, thank you so much for giving us your work and given us such a beautiful and talented face to look at and embrace.
42:06Thank you so much for being here.
42:07Thank you so much for being here.
42:08Thank you so much for being here.
42:10Thank you for having me.
42:12Back to you, Storm.
42:13Hi.
42:14You look so pretty.
42:15You look gorgeous.
42:16Okay.
42:17Okay.
42:18Can I ask you about your outfit?
42:19What are you wearing?
42:20I'm wearing a vintage piece that Law found.
42:22Okay.
42:23Um, Senorol.
42:24It's, it's, it's, it's quite old.
42:25And he, and he found it, I believe from Eunice Johnson and her estate sale.
42:29So this is got some history in it as well.
42:31I mean, y'all are like the perfect duo.
42:33Like it's just a match made in heaven.
42:35Absolutely.
42:36My, my fashion soulmate.
42:37Yes.
42:38How do you feel?
42:39I'm so proud of you.
42:41I'm proud of you too.
42:42Are you kidding me?
42:43Stop it.
42:44The school.
42:45So many schools, just every school.
42:46She gets into every school and also is working.
42:48I don't know how she does it.
42:49Cause I didn't do it.
42:50So I'm impressed.
42:51How do you feel though?
42:52You got honored.
42:53I feel amazing.
42:54I feel, I mean, this is such a, you know, a beautiful experience.
42:57And I mean, I wish that we could all be like, like usual.
43:01And in that beautiful room, full of, full of love.
43:05But I, yeah, I feel beyond honored, you know, and, and yeah, I just,
43:10it's still kind of a little bit surreal, you know?
43:12Yes.
43:13Well, I mean, I feel like every time we're together, I try not to be weird
43:18because I'm like, I've looked up to this person my whole life and now we're close.
43:23Yeah.
43:24And you've like, just made me feel so special as a young woman and a young black woman.
43:29So are there any moments in your life, in your career where you've felt really empowered,
43:36like by black women in Hollywood?
43:38I think pretty much every day of my life.
43:41I feel like every, almost all my fashion references come from black women.
43:45I think my everyday motivation, I think, I mean, even, even simple things like phone calls with your grandmother,
43:51you know, for me, that gives me a huge amount of inspiration and motivation.
43:55So, I don't know.
43:57It's like, women just kind of are everything to me, you know?
44:02So, yeah, I guess it's a constant inspiration, a constant source of, of, of, of, of joy and life, you know?
44:12Yes.
44:13Well, I mean, I think that's all I really had to ask.
44:16I just want to say I'm proud of you and thank you for the constant, like I say all the time, inspiration.
44:23And there's lots of people that came into my life.
44:26I want to cry.
44:27Don't cry.
44:28There's lots of people.
44:31Why am I crying?
44:32I hate crying.
44:33There's lots of people that came into my life, like when I, when Wrinkle came out and they were like, oh yeah, I'm here to support you.
44:47And, but you were one of those people that stuck to that.
44:49So, for that, thank you.
44:51You're my baby sister.
44:52I'm telling you, I was like, I know.
44:54I'm crying.
44:55I know.
44:56We met, right?
44:57Our first time in like a Ben and Jerry.
44:58Ben and Jerry.
44:59Yes.
45:00When she was so tiny.
45:01And then here we are.
45:02We're, we're real life sisters.
45:03I believe that.
45:04And, and TV sisters.
45:05And I'm so proud of everything that you do.
45:07You know that.
45:08I'm a ride or die.
45:09I will continue to support everything you do.
45:11And you're, you're, you're phenomenal.
45:12So.
45:14The love is mutual.
45:17The love is absolutely mutual.
45:18Oh, please do me.
45:20Don't cry.
45:21You're going to mess me up this season.
45:24Do you hear me?
45:25Oh, that moment between Storm and Zendaya.
45:29I did not want to cry in my bedroom, but it looks like I'm about to cry in my bedroom.
45:33Oh my God.
45:34These are the moments that we often don't get to share with people because black women Hollywood is an invite only affair.
45:42But of course we're opening up to you all, but this is what you get to see when sisterhood comes together on our red carpet.
45:49And what a beautiful moment that is.
45:52My heart is warmed.
45:53And there was another time that my heart was been warm during this pandemic season is when coming to America, the film that we were all anticipating, waiting to see.
46:01And the one that we all watch because it is the streaming records are through the roof.
46:06But the true heart of that film was a beautiful actress I know from South Africa who I had the pleasure of spending time with as she gave me a tour of Cape Town.
46:15Please welcome Nomza Mo Mbatha to Essence.
46:19Aw, Cory, that was so sweet.
46:23Oh my God.
46:24I loved you.
46:25I didn't know, you know, I didn't know what you were going to be because you had to be quiet about what your role was for so long.
46:31Absolutely.
46:32Like my best friend, after watching it at the premiere, she called me because they had a whole premiere back in South Africa.
46:37And she called me and said, friend, you didn't tell me you had such a huge role.
46:42And you really were the heart of it.
46:45Oh my God.
46:46How has the reception been after this came out?
46:48I mean, it's breaking records.
46:50It's broke records.
46:51Beyond, beyond amazing.
46:53I mean, week after week, we keep watching the numbers rise.
46:56And it's just one of the most amazing feelings just to know that this film that has been, you know, anticipated for so many years has finally arrived and people are receiving it in the way that we were hoping people would receive it.
47:08And also to release such a huge film during a pandemic.
47:11Oh my goodness.
47:12So we're just really happy that we get to make people laugh and smile and feel good again, especially after such a tough year that we had last year.
47:21Exactly.
47:22Exactly.
47:23Feeling good.
47:24Now you've been to Black Women Hollywood, right?
47:26Yes.
47:27So that moment that Storm and Zendaya have, you've seen that in person.
47:32Talk to me about your experience attending Essence's Black Women Hollywood.
47:36Oh my goodness.
47:37It is euphoric.
47:38It is euphoric.
47:39The love in the room and the inspiration in the room, the warmth and the strength in the room is just this palpable feeling.
47:49You know, just to be able to be in this room that is a celebration.
47:54It is an upliftment.
47:55I'm just like, I mean, I'm beaming even talking about it.
47:58And obviously it's a different experience now virtually.
48:01But I'm so glad that, you know, even with everything that's going on, this mandate was not postponed.
48:08So I'm so happy that we get to do this again.
48:10But yeah, it's one of the best places and events to attend.
48:16Is there any honoree today or tonight that has a special hold on you?
48:23I think all of them, all of them, to be honest.
48:29I mean, you look at somebody like Whoopi Goldberg, who's been in this industry for so many incredible years and has done so much with her illustrious career.
48:37And I mean, she starred in one of the most prolific films back in South Africa called Sarafina.
48:42So for me, she holds that special place.
48:45And then you look at, you know, women like Zendaya.
48:47You look at people like, you know, your Cynthia Erivo.
48:51And of course, who am I forgetting?
48:54Sheesh.
48:55Michaela Cole, who have just had such incredible years.
48:59And I'm just happy that they get to have this light shined upon them.
49:03And also cannot forget Andra Day.
49:06Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.
49:08Who will be cheering on on Sunday at the Oscars.
49:12My heart is in my mouth when I have to speak about Andra Day.
49:15For me, oh my goodness.
49:17Wow.
49:18This is her moment.
49:19And it is such a beautiful feeling to know that we live in such a time to watch a transformative performer.
49:26Because what she did in the United States versus Billie Holiday is just out of this world.
49:31She better bring that Oscar home.
49:33And like you, she was a breakout star.
49:36I mean, let's talk about it.
49:38Let's really talk about it.
49:39So before we get into something that is really important to us, what's next for you?
49:45I have a film that I'm going to be shooting quite soon.
49:49Probably next month or just the beginning of summer.
49:52It is by a director called The Jessie Atlas.
49:55It's a sci-fi thriller and I'm going to be leading that.
49:58So it feels really good to be on this side of the ocean.
50:02The last time we were together, we were in South Africa.
50:05Yes.
50:06So it's good to be on this side of the ocean and just be able to continue to make projects and be out there and do the work.
50:14Exactly.
50:15Exactly.
50:16Oh my God.
50:17I can't wait.
50:18Well, wait a minute.
50:19Did I get it correct?
50:20From breakout to leading?
50:21Okay.
50:22I see.
50:23I see you.
50:24I see that trajectory.
50:25No pressure.
50:26No pressure.
50:27No pressure.
50:28No pressure.
50:29No pressure.
50:30But before we wrap, I do want to ask you about something that's really important to us as we look at, you know, for us, yes, it's about celebrating these beautiful women and these talented women, these master storytellers for black women in Hollywood.
50:42But tomorrow at our Hollywood house, we're going to be really having some rich conversations.
50:46And one of the things that we are discussing is representation and equity for black women in Hollywood.
50:51And I would love to get your thoughts on when did you realize your worth in Hollywood or your worth becoming an actress and as a black woman?
51:02Oh, goodness.
51:03I think it's something that was innate in me.
51:06It's something that I was born with from the very beginning to never accept the bare minimum, but to demand everything that I feel is owed to me and something that I clearly worked really hard for.
51:19You know, on the conversation around equity, we cannot achieve equality if there's no equity.
51:25And so it's about leveling the playing field.
51:28And it's been an incredible experience to be young in Hollywood, to be to be young in this world, you know, and shout out to Gen Z, who have given us that extra push to continue to have the conversations that were tough conversations before.
51:43But of course, you look at women like your Regina King, like women that we are even celebrating today, you know, who have continued to break that pre-existing ceiling so that some of us can be able to enter those spaces and not feel like we're still doing work that should have been done way before.
52:00All right.
52:01I hear that.
52:02Now, before you go off and to get into your leading role, was there anything that the King of Comedy told you about as you make your way through Hollywood, Eddie Murphy?
52:12I think it's not anything that he said to me.
52:16It is how I monitored how he was on set, a consummate professional, sharer of stories.
52:24You know, so, so many times, as soon as he starts telling a story, you know, you're trying to, you kind of navigate to hear and get a closer listen to.
52:33But I think for me, just watching him on set was a masterclass on its own to be able to transform like that as a performer and still have your feet on the ground and treat everybody around you with so much respect and so much love.
52:47It's something that I definitely will be taking with me in my journey so far.
52:52All right.
52:53Thank you so much, Numzama.
52:55Thank you so much.
52:56Thank you, Corey.
52:58All right.
52:59We are moments away from Black Women in Hollywood.
53:02And this is a very special time because although we're closed in, but we are giving you guys a special peek at what we have hold dear to us for 14 years because everyone is invited to Black Women in Hollywood this year.
53:16So you're getting a peek at the amazing speeches that we have on today's performances, these tribute videos for all of our honorees.
53:25You're going to really understand why each one of these women truly are master storytellers.
53:30So stick around for more Black women in Hollywood.
53:37What's an incredible night and we're just getting started.
53:41But before we get into the main show, I have to remind you that tomorrow at 7 p.m. Eastern for Essence Hollywood House, I will be hosting it.
53:50So a huge thank you to our sponsors, Ford, L'Oreal, American Airlines and Coca-Cola.
53:58And now, ladies and gentlemen, the 2021 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards starts right now.
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