Essence moved forward virtually with their annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards. And, making this year’s celebration even more special, the super talented Storm Reid kicked-off the event as she hosted the pre-show.
The Euphoria actress commented on Instagram, “With everything happening globally, celebrating black existence, black women, and black men is my only priority. So I’m honored to be hosting this year’s Black Women in Hollywood awards pre-show!”
While on the red carpet for the pre-show, viewers got to witness a tender moment between Reid and her Euphoria co-star, Zendaya.
Reid captioned the Instagram footage: “The seven-year-old me is in disbelief. The gratitude I have for your presence is profound. To call you big sis means the world because you’ve shown me GENUINE support and love. That’s rare. Love you immensely. Congratulations. Forever fangirl. Xo.”
Overwhelmed with pure emotion, she told the former Disney star, “Thank you for the constant, like I say all the time, inspiration.” She continued, referencing how people came in and out of her life during the time A Wrinkle in Time became a box office hit.
“And they were like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m here to support you,’ but you were one of those people that stuck to that. So, for that, thank you.”
Truly moved by Reid’s emotion, Zendaya replied: “You’re like my baby sister.” Then she told how the pair first met at a Ben & Jerry’s. “She was so tiny and then here we are. We’re real life sisters. I believe that and TV sisters and I’m so proud of everything you do. You know that. I’m a ride or die and I will continue to support everything you do and you’re phenomenal. So, the love is mutual.”
The theme of this year’s event was, “Mastering Our Stories.” The event focused on the resiliency of Black women in Hollywood through the years. This year’s honorees were: Whoopi Goldberg, Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Michaela Coel, and Andrea Day.
