Jennifer Hudson had a special plus one to the 2026 American Black Film Festival Honors at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles on Feb. 16.
The singer hit the red carpet alongside her 16 year old son, David Daniel Otunga Jr, wearing a strapless, corseted Jean-Louis Sabaji gown covered in sequins.
The look featured a thigh high slit and a dramatic floral detail at the hip. David Jr. kept things classic in a dark gray suit, black loafers and a statement necklace that added a modern touch.
During the event, Hudson received the Renaissance Award, which recognizes artists who continue to evolve and shape the culture.
“It’s a blessing,” Hudson said of the honor. “It’s encouraging, you know, and what better place to receive it from? It only inspires me to keep going, and hope to inspire others. To create a path to see others prevail as well.”
The outing came just one day after the mother-son duo attended the 2026 NBA All Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Hudson later revealed that the annual event doubles as a family tradition.
“We had a time at @nbaallstar 2026!!! The All-Star Game has become our annual birthday celebration for my big brother, who would be turning 47 today! Happy heavenly birthday, Jason. Love you always!” she wrote on social media.
Hudson shares David Jr. with her former fiancé, David Otunga. The pair were together for 10 years, including a nine year engagement, before splitting in 2017. They welcomed their son in 2009.
“He went to sleep in the room, took a nap with his mohawk, and when I tell you he came out, had a whole new nose, and shot up. I was like, ‘Where did my child go? Who is this?’ That’s how quickly it happens,” she told ESSENCE in 2024. “I’m just taking it in and being the mommy he needs right now—or praying to be.”
