In partnership with Uptown Magazine, Lexus developed the annual pre-Oscar, invitation-only, “Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood” black-tie affair to establish a legacy of recognizing Black Excellence in entertainment by bringing together the industry’s most prolific Black creators, writers, producers, filmmakers and actors to pay tribute to the contributions of Black talent in Hollywood.
On March 23 at the Sunset Room Hollywood, the brands collaborate again to proudly celebrate Black Love in film and television. “There is something special about seeing Black Love on television and in films,” said Len Burnett Jr., co-founder, CEO of Uptown Media Ventures. “Now, more than any other time in Hollywood, Black Love is being embraced and accepted by film studios and audiences of all ages. It is time to remember and celebrate those actors and couples who broke barriers for Black Love to be accepted. At the same time, we also want to celebrate the actors and couples who are displaying Black Love in real life and on the big screen.”
Married Black Hollywood couples Nicole Ari Parker (And Just Like That) and her husband Boris Kodjoe (Station 19) will be honored along with Salli Richardson Whitfield (The Gilded Age producer/director) and husband Dondre Whitfield (Queen Sugar). Legendary acting and married couple Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis will be honored posthumously, along with actors Diahann Carroll and Sidney Poitier, for their 1961 movie Paris Blues.
Other honorees include Nicole and Jeff Friday, founders of The American Black Film Festival, and Codie Elaine Oliver and Tommy Oliver, married producers of the Black Love TV series.”
Lexus Uptown Honors Hollywood showcases the best aspects of Black life in film and television,” said Mia Phillips, Senior Manager, Lexus Advertising and Media. “We are proud to support an event that is dedicated to consistently displaying positive images of Black culture, including, and most importantly, love.”
