In a dazzling display of glitz, glamour, and giving back, the 3rd annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards took center stage at the renowned Beverly Hilton hotel.
Hosted by the charismatic comedian and actress Tiffany Haddish, the star-studded event honored a remarkable lineup of individuals who have made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and beyond. Catherine Brewton, Vice President of BMI, and respected executive in the music industry was honored with the community award, Law Roach “Image architect” known for transforming celebrities into fashion icons was honored with the Innovation Award and Chloe Bailey, Grammy nominated artist was honored with the Fearlessness award. Icons and industry vets such as Whoopi Goldberg who has achieved an incredible feat of winning a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy, Daytime Emmy, and Tony Award was honored with the Social Impact Award, the late Tupac Shakur who is widely considered one of the most influential rappers of all time was honored with the Culture Award and lastly, one of the most celebrated creative forces in music, Babyface was awarded the Icon Award.
Icon award winner, Babyface attends 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
The blue carpet was teeming with A-list celebrities, notable influencers, and industry powerhouses, each making a grand entrance at the Beverly Hilton. Among the attendees were the talented Halle Bailey, Fat Joe, Yvette Nicole Brown, Floyd Mayweather, Eric Bellinger, Michael Blackson, Sarunas Jackson, Tyrese Gibson, Macy Gray, Evan Ross, Joyner Lucas and many more. The star-studded affair served as a testament to the collective determination to create a lasting impact and support important causes.
“For me the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards is about honoring people who look like me, who are pushing culture not mainstream. We all are gonna invest and invite ourselves into mainstream spaces but we can’t forget to take the culture along for the ride,” said CEO and founder of Hollywood Unlocked, Jason Lee.
The night was filled with memorable moments, captivating performances, and heartfelt speeches. Grammy nominated singer Chanté Moore opened the show with a captivating performance and the night continued with mesmerizing performances by R&B singer Muni Long, Chrisean Rock, and Grammy winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds. Their talent was a testament to the incredible musical legacy being honored at the event.
The 2023 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards also celebrated the launch of the Hollywood Cares Foundation, an initiative spearheaded by CEO of Hollywood Unlocked, Jason Lee. This new foundation aims to provide much-needed resources and assistance to communities in need, with a particular focus on youth services. The foundation raised over $100K beginning with a giant check presented by Deion Taylor on behalf of Robert F. Smith and Hidden Empire, followed by another contribution from the Black Lives Matter Global Foundation. The announcement was met with enthusiasm and support from the audience, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to making a positive difference in society.
Fearlessness Award winner, Chlöe Bailey and sister Halle attend Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
As the event unfolded, honorees took the stage to express their gratitude and share heartfelt messages. Chloe Bailey, with her undeniable talent and empowering spirit, captivated the audience, inspiring young women everywhere to embrace their unique selves and pursue their dreams fearlessly. “I realized the whole point of fearlessness, doing it anyway because you believe in it,” said Bailey. Whoopi Goldberg, an icon in her own right, used her platform to advocate for important social issues and promote inclusivity, while Tupac Shakur’s sister Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur, honored her brother by continuously putting in the effort to finish the job her brother started.
As the night came to a close, the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards left a lasting impression on attendees and viewers alike. Guests were eager to continue to festivities as they made their way to the after party hosted by Zeus Network. The combination of glamour, talent, and philanthropy created an unforgettable evening, celebrating icons of influence while setting the stage for a brighter and more compassionate future.