It was night of riveting excellence that served out inspiration and wish fulfillment.
On a night in Los Angeles that saw temperatures rising, the crowd was steaming with pride for the annual and beloved Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: (L-R) Chris Spencer, honoree Wood Harris, Tai Beauchamp, Leonard Burnett Jr. and Steve Harris attend Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood at Sunset Room Hollywood on March 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood)
Heralding showcases of grand men and women were put on a platform for an affair that shall always stand above the rest. Supreme honorees included: Mario Van Peebles (Icon of Achievement Award), Taye Diggs (Impact and Excellence Award), Wood Harris (Fearless Trailblazer Award) and Omar Benson Miller (Amplified Impact Award).
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Omar Benson Miller attends Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood at Sunset Room Hollywood on March 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood)
Giving kudos to trailblazing stars who’ve made an indelible impact and who have transformed the landscape of culturally-enriching storytelling as filmmakers, actors, and producers, they stood on the stage accepting their awards not only for themselves. Rather, they took the moment to give the admiration and love for a room of superb humans and all those in their circle who make life more wonderful by the sheer volume of existence.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Aaron Walton speaks onstage during Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood at Sunset Room Hollywood on March 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood)
This was not just another awards show. This was a representation of how the room should be and always should be – a place with heart-warming and meaningful acceptance.
Hundreds gathered at the Sunset Room Hollywood on March 11th as luxury automotive brand Lexus in partnership with Uptown Magazine paid respect to this year’s class of Black Hollywood creatives during Oscars week.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Honoree Taye Diggs accepts the Impact and Excellence Award onstage during Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood at Sunset Room Hollywood on March 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood)
Hosted by actor, comedian, writer, producer Chris Spencer and media personality Tai Beauchamp, the night was filled with joyful applause, laughter, happy tears, and most importantly pride.
When I was starting out as an actor, I didn’t know who I was, I didn’t know how black I was, and it wasn’t until I was given these opportunities, (and) I surrounded by other people that look like me, talk like me…that’s when I found my identity,” Diggs said from the stage as a beautiful sentiment. ”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 11: Honoree Mario Van Peebles accepts the Icon of Achievement Award onstage during Lexus UPTOWN Honors Hollywood at Sunset Room Hollywood on March 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood)
Uptown has shone the spotlight in honoring Black Hollywood creatives and executives for over 16 years, whose work has inspired generations and shifted the narratives of bold, inclusive voices and entertainment.
The exclusive star-studded awards gala has honored trailblazing legends and rising stars, including hip-hop legend, producer, actor Cliff “Method Man” Smith, actors, entertainers, musicians, filmmakers including Blair Underwood, Omar J. Dorsey, J. Alphonse Nicholson, Cedric The Entertainer, Boris Kodjoe, Questlove, Malcolm D. Lee, Lee Daniels, Ava DuVernay, Nia Long, Niecy Nash, and more.
