The 4th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, hosted by Hollywood Unlocked and its CEO and Founder Jason Lee, recognized individuals who have impacted the culture. The star-studded event honored notables, including Cardi B, Jonathan Majors, Fat Joe, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Christian Louboutin, Da Brat, Ben Crump, and Sharon Stone. Tiffany Haddish, the Emmy award-winning comedian and actor, returned to host the show for the third consecutive year, delighting attendees with her signature comedic stylings.
Jason Lee presented the Inspiration Award to his longtime friend and Grammy award-winning rapper Cardi B. Cardi B highlighted the unique challenges female rappers face in her acceptance speech, noting, “Female rappers have it worse than some pop stars. We have to be perfect all the time, and I struggle with being my own worst critic.”
Rap icon Fat Joe received the Culture Award from Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton, who humorously remarked, “He’s got more hits than I have hats. And trust me, I’ve got a lot.”
Hollywood icon Sharon Stone presented the Innovator Award to Christian Louboutin, one of the world’s most renowned shoe designers. Stone praised Louboutin, saying, “Tonight we pay homage to a true visionary…those soles are the Rolls Royce of stilettos.”
The event also honored Jonathan Majors with the Perseverance Award, presented by renowned spiritual teacher Iyanla Vanzant. In his emotional speech, Majors addressed the challenges he faced and his determination to persevere. “When I was taken away in handcuffs, I didn’t feel like the Jonathan Majors I knew, the Yale graduate, the actor from Creed or Kang. I felt like a small, powerless Black man. Despite the support and evidence in my favor, I knew I was in serious trouble simply because of who I am. This is what happens to Black people all too often—guilt or innocence often have little to do with the outcome.”
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who made headlines earlier this year after a heated exchange in a committee hearing, was presented with the Social Impact Award by reality TV star Marlo Hampton. Crockett emphasized the importance of representation in her acceptance speech, saying, “When people say you are going to be their representation, you really should do your best to make sure …you represent them. I am grateful to be acknowledged for simply doing my job.”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump received the Community Award from Jasmine Crockett, who called him “my mentor.”
Six-year-old Malcom Bell, Jason Lee’s “official” campaign manager for his Stockton political run, took the stage with Jason and encouraged everyone to get out and vote.
Grammy-nominated rapper Da Brat and her wife Jessica Harris-Dupart were presented with the Spirit Award by Disney channel alum Raven-Symoné.
In a surprise moment, Tiffany Haddish presented the Icon Award to Sharon Stone, calling her a “true inspiration.” Stone, in her acceptance speech, shared, “Early in my career I made a choice to use whatever fame I gained to make a positive change in this world. I am honored to have been recognized here today in a room so full of love. There is no other room that I would want to accept an award like this in. Thank you so much.”
The event was attended by numerous celebrities, including Evan Ross, Omarion, GASHI, Floyd Mayweather, Trina, Meagan Good, Babyface, Eric Bellinger, Yvette Nicole Brown, Claudia Jordan, Lemuel Plummer, Bobby Lytes, and Brittney Elena, all of whom contributed to a night filled with celebration and recognition of impactful contributions to culture and society.
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