Essence's 5th Annual Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon: Kerry Washington, Octavia Spencer, Paula Patton And More!

A handful of the biggest and brightest stars were honored yesterday at Essence magazine's 5th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon yesterday in Beverly Hills.

Leading ladies Kerry Washington, Paula Patton, Octavia Spencer and Pam Grier, along with executive producer and screenwriter Shonda Rhimes were selected as this year's honorees.

"The luncheon exists to provide a fitting tribute to the brilliant talent and accomplishments of African-American trailblazers like Kerry, Pam, Paula, Octavia, and Shonda, and celebrate their collective work as an inspiration for generations to come," says Constance White, Essence's editor-in-chief.

The pre-Oscars celebration is also another opportunity to get gussied up before the big show on Sunday. Stars showed up in a variety of fabulous outfits, but winter-white was the runaway hit.

"Scandal" actress Kerry Washington and Essence's march cover girl wore a white structured peplum skirt suit by Cushnie et Ochs. She added color with crimson Brian Atwood pumps and Kate Spade's whimsical "Magazine" clutch.

Patton redeemed herself from her fashion-fail earlier this week in a sexy white Marchesa dress paired with silver pumps.

Spencer spiced up her crisp white blouse with a leopard print pencil skirt and sassy purple Nine West heels.

Oscar-nominated actress Viola Davis stepped out in a figure-flattering ivory Victoria Beckham dress and showed off her natural 'do, which we absolutely loved in her recent cover shoot for the LA Times magazine.

Davis told Essence's red carpet commentator Tanika Ray that she hasn't felt brave enough, until recently, to rock her natural tresses. "The Help" star added that her husband, actor Julius Tennon, told her to “step into who I am.”

And we're glad he did--she looks amazing!

The tragic death of Whitney Houston was still heavy on the hearts of attendees. Jordin Sparks, dressed in dazzling LBD, was asked to perform a tribute to Houston. The two starred in the upcoming film "Sparkle," so Sparks sang "Look Into Your Heart" from the film's soundtrack to honor the late legend.

Check out photos from the star-studded event below and let us know who you think looked best!

Comments

[dahlia3742]

09:06 PM on 02/28/2012

enjoyed the photos

[chris428]

05:59 PM on 02/26/2012

The women with their natural hair look fabulous....Can't take the weaves, wigs or anything that is not real on women of color.

[ceva3017]

02:13 AM on 02/26/2012

there were some tacky dressing at the Essence Luncheon. But there were top 12 who dressed wonderful and lady like. Jill Scott looked Hot and the ladies in white and Ali in my favorite blue, yes.
Ms. Ross was a shame.

[liacashmere89]

02:46 PM on 02/25/2012

I love kerry.

[cuteliberalchick]

11:23 PM on 02/24/2012

I like Nicole Parker dress thank you.

[cuteliberalchick]

11:22 PM on 02/24/2012

I love Viola hair do.

[pink4004]

04:40 PM on 02/24/2012

I love Kerry Washington...wish we could see her in more movies. She's sultry. Octavia looks savvy! Those shoes are off the chain! Don't know about that dress Tracee?!? Too bad more people can't be naturally thin like Holly. She looks fabulous. Loved Lynn Whitfield in "A Thin Line Between Love & Hate."...I'll have to rent the DVD. I'm sorry Niecy Nash....but you look a mess!! Whaat were you thinking with this outfit? Sean Robinon always looks good. Anika is so cute and down to earth

[safistikaytdlayd]

04:16 PM on 02/24/2012

All In all, everyone looked great! I've never seen Tracee Ellis Ross hair blown out!

[makemesmile]

06:10 PM on 02/24/2012

I do like Tracee Ross's new hair color. It looks good on her.

[safistikaytdlayd]

06:35 PM on 02/24/2012

Me too!

[noudidnt]

03:30 PM on 02/24/2012

Viola wins hands down! Tracee Ellis Ross, what were you thinking?

[makemesmile]

06:10 PM on 02/24/2012

Viola Davis always looks good and shows good taste in clothes.

[Skiwee]

10:36 AM on 02/24/2012

Tatyana Ali was so inappropriately dressed, it was_disgusting.

Good to see Sheryl Lee Ralph, now there's a blast from the past.

[Genisa]

02:07 PM on 02/24/2012

I have to say, Sheryl Lee is holding up well.

[Skiwee]

02:39 PM on 02/24/2012

F&F

[safistikaytdlayd]

04:13 PM on 02/24/2012

I Agree! Tatyana Ali is a beautiful young lady, but that it not a luncheon dress. She doesn't have to reveal ALL of herself!

[StilettoFilms]

10:23 AM on 02/24/2012

Ladies look you look marvelous! PHOTOS: The 2012 Essence Black Women In Hollywood Luncheon http://huff.to/Axbs3x via @huffingtonpost