Essence Magazine Presents 10th Anniversary “Black Women in Hollywood Awards & Gala”

Oscar-Week Event to Honor Hollywood’s “Next Generation”: Janelle Monáe, Issa Rae, Aja Naomi King and Yara Shahidi

Time Inc.’s Essence, the preeminent brand for African-American women, will commemorate the 10th anniversary of its esteemed “Black Women in Hollywood Awards”—the annual Oscar-week celebration at the forefront of spotlighting Hollywood’s most creative and accomplished visionaries. Shifting from a daytime luncheon to a resplendent evening gala for the first time, the red carpet ceremony will be held at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, CA, on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

The Awards & Gala will honor Hollywood’s “Next Generation”—young women who are excelling and elevating their crafts—including triple-threat actress/musician/entertainer Janelle Monáe (Breakthrough Award); groundbreaking actress/writer/producer Issa Rae (Vanguard Award); standout actress Aja Naomi King (Lincoln Shining Star Award); and dynamic actress Yara Shahidi (Generation Next). Actress/Producer Gabrielle Union will serve as the program’s host.

“For the past decade, the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards” have paid homage to our modern image-makers—both in front of the camera and behind the scenes,” said Essence Editor-in-Chief Vanessa K. De Luca. “This past year has been an exceptional one for diversity in film and television, and with the incredible contributions of Janelle, Issa, Aja and Yara, it is fitting that our 10th anniversary will honor the future of Hollywood and its continued steps on the path to inclusion.”

Also for the first time, internationally acclaimed visual artist and filmmaker Mickalene Thomas will be infusing the event with her elaborate imagery celebrating the power of female beauty as a facet of women’s empowerment.

Since its inception in 2008, the “Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards” have honored some of the most cherished figures in the industry, including Oprah Winfrey, Lupita Nyong’o, Ava DuVernay, Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Angela Bassett, Queen Latifah, Naomie Harris, Octavia Spencer, Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Zoe Saldana, Alfre Woodard, Regina King, Gabrielle Union, Tracee Ellis Ross, Debbie Allen, Nina Shaw, Mary J. Blige, Gabourey Sidibe, Quvenzhané Wallis, Jurnee Smollett, Ruby Dee, Diahann Carroll, Cicely Tyson, Loretta Devine, Mara Brock Akil, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Ruth E. Carter, Nina Shaw, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Suzanne de Passe.

Global Unveiling of Jaguar Land Rover “Bond” Cars

Jaguar and Land Rover stunt vehicles Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and Land Rover Defender make international debut in Frankfurt, Germany

On September 15, Jaguar Land Rover (www.jaguar.com and www.landrover.com) celebrated its vehicles appearing in the new Bond adventure, SPECTRE starring Daniel Craig as James Bond, with an unveiling of the Jaguar Land Rover “Bond” Cars, including the Jaguar C-X75, Range Rover Sport SVR and the iconic Land Rover Defender, at the palatial Thurn und Taxis ancestral home in Frankfurt, Germany, ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show (September 17 – 27, 2015). SPECTRE is to be released worldwide starting October 2015.

Spectre cast members Naomie Harris and David Bautista are reunited with Jaguar Land Rover stunt vehicles from the film ahead of their international debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany

Actress Naomie Harris (Moneypenny) and David Bautista (Hinx) were the guests of honor at the glamorous event showcasing special stunt vehicles used in the latest installment of the James Bond series. Guests were entertained by British singer and musician John Newman, who performed a number of top ten hits from his album.

SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond film, from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment, sees the Jaguar C-X75 drive through the moonlit streets of Rome in one of the movie’s most iconic high speed chase scenes. A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE. Directed by Sam Mendes, the film is written by John Logan and Neal Purvis & Robert Wade and produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Spectre cast member David Bautista are reunited with Jaguar Land Rover stunt vehicles from the film ahead of their international debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany

Driven by Hinx, played by Bautista, the C-X75 supercar, named the most advanced Jaguar ever created, was provided by Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) in collaboration with development partner Williams Advanced Engineering headquarters in Oxfordshire, England.

Jaguar Land Rover‘s Special Operations team focus on delivering halo vehicles, bespoke commissions, heritage products and branded goods. Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has the responsibility within Special Operations to create a range of high performance production models for both Jaguar and Land Rover, vehicle personalization products and low volume, high value Limited Edition models for both brands.

Spectre cast member Naomie Harris is reunited with Jaguar Land Rover stunt vehicles, including the Jaguar C-X75, from the film ahead of their international debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany

Spectre cast member David Bautista is reunited with Jaguar Land Rover stunt vehicles, including the Jaguar C-X75, from the film ahead of their international debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt, Germany

SVO was created in June 2014 to focus on meeting the increasing expectations of today’s most discerning and enthusiastic Jaguar and Land Rover customers. Working on the development of high performance versions of existing models, luxury bespoke commissions and limited run collector editions, it represents the very pinnacle of the two iconic brands.