Essence Sets Talent Lineup for Fifth Annual Hollywood House Event

Ahead of its Oscar week events, Essence has announced the stars who will be participating in its fifth annual Hollywood House on March 8.

Hosted by A Black Lady Sketch Show star Skye Townsend in Culver City, the event will feature BMF and All American‘s Da’Vinchi, The Color Purple‘s Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, actress, producer and host Osas Ighodaro and actress Laya DeLeon Hayes, as well as former Essence editor Mikki Taylor, costume designers Tanja Caldwell and Dominique Dawson, producer Datari Turner, Springhill executive in charge of production Cherisse McKenzie and producer Olivia Bernardez.

Essence Hollywood House is open to emerging and established individuals within the TV and film industry, including creators, actors, directors, producers, visual storytellers, agents and behind-the-scenes professionals. It invites conversation and networking with attendees both in front of and behind the camera, through programming including speed mentoring sessions, fireside chats and panel discussions. Yara Shahidi, Halle Bailey, Teyonah Parris, Coco Jones, Terrence J and Kendrick Sampson have previously taken part in the event.

This year’s theme, “Scripting Reel Change,” focuses on providing the film and TV community with the tools and resources needed to overcome some of the entertainment industry’s biggest challenges and achieve their full potential. Attendees unable to attend in person can stream the festivities live on Essence.com, X, Facebook and YouTube.

The Hollywood House event will come the day after Essence‘s Black Women in Hollywood Awards, taking place on March 7 at the Academy Museum. Hosted by Cliff “Method Man” Smith, the awards will toast Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks as well as Halle Bailey, writer and showrunner of All American, All American: Homecoming and Found Nkechi Okoro Carroll, and president of original programming for STARZ Kathryn Busby.