Entertainment & Arts

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars luncheon

Essence magazine invited "Simply the Best" black actresses for an annual pre-Oscars luncheon celebrating the brightest stars in the industry. Among them, Academy Award winner and Weight Watchers spokeswoman Jennifer Hudson, who showed off her slim new figure on the red carpet.

Essence magazine invited “Simply the Best” black actresses for an annual pre-Oscars luncheon celebrating the brightest stars in the industry. Among them, Academy Award winner and Weight Watchers spokeswoman Jennifer Hudson, who showed off her slim new figure on the red carpet. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

March 14, 2014 1:29 AM PT

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

“For Colored Girls” actress Kerry Washington. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Honoree Angela Bassett. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Model and designer Kimora Lee Simmons. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Jennifer Hudson, who was also an honoree at the event, poses with her son David Daniel Otunga Jr. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

“Doubt” actress Viola Davis. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Honoree Loretta Devine. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Singer and actress Jill Scott. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Actress Gabrielle Union. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Comedic actress and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Niecy Nash. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Actress Tia Mowry recently revealed she’s expecting a boy with husband Cory Hardict. (Frederick M. Brown / Getty Images)

Essence Black Women in Hollywood pre-Oscars Luncheon

Actress Nicole Ari Parker and husband Boris Kodjoe. (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

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