Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer and friends attend Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon

The ladies were out to lunch last week!  The Beverly Hills Hotel hosted Essence magazine’s 5^th annual Black Women in Hollywood lunch. Academy award winner Octavia Spencer, Essence’s March cover girl Kerry Washington, Paula Patton, Pam Grier and “Grey’s Anatomy” creator and exec producer Shonda Rhimes were the honorees.

Kerry Washington, Emma Stone.

The Help actresses Emma Stone, who paired her beaded Elie Saab dress with nude Brian Atwood heels, and Viola Davis handed over the breakthrough performance award to their deserving co-star Octavia Spencer, who rocked a custom animal print Tadashi Shoji pencil skirt.

Paula Patton, Viola Davis.

Also in attendance were Jesse Williams, Holly Robinson Peete, Niecy Nash and Essence Editor-in-chief Constance White. A radiant Jordin Sparks paid tribute to icon Whitney Houston by singing “Look Into Your Heart,” a song from the movie Sparkle – which stars both Houston and Sparks.

On their way in, guests stopped to sign the 3-liter Jeroboam crystallized bottle presented to Essence by Moet & Chandon. The bottle is set to be auctioned off to charity!

Jesse Williams, Emma Stone.

Inspiration and female strength dominated the room, two defining characteristics of this much anticipated pre-Oscar event. So here’s to all the women in the world whose passionate work makes a difference!

Photo Credit: Alex Berliner

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