ESSENCE has just announced their 2012 honorees for Black Women in Hollywood, featuring some of the best and brightest women in entertainment.
“Django Unchained” star Kerry Washington will be honored with the Vanguard Award for her impressive body of work. Oscar-nominee and Golden Globe winner Octavia Spencer will be given the Breakthrough Performance award for her role of Minnie Jackson in “The Help”.
Paula Patton, of “Mission Impossible,” will be honored with the Shining Star Award, while veteran Pam Grier will receive the Legend Award.
Shonda Rhimes, creator and executive producer of ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” will be honored with the Visionary Award. ESSENCE reports ABC has ordered a pilot for Rhimes’ new drama series “Gilded Lillys” and has purchased her fourth series, “The Circle.”
ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Constance White said, “The ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon exists to provide a fitting tribute to the brilliant talent and accomplishments of African-American trailblazers like Kerry, Pam, Paula, Octavia and Shonda as we celebrate their collective work as an inspiration for generations to come.”
Past recipients include Jada Pinkett Smith, Halle Berry and many other talented women.
The annual luncheon will take place during Academy Awards week on Feb. 23 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. A live stream of the event’s red carpet will be available on ESSENCE.com at 11:30 a.m. EST.
Congratulations to all the honorees!