The sixth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards brought together some of the most prominent figures in entertainment, business, and culture, including Meagan Good, Patti LaBelle, and Tyler Perry, who were recognized for their contributions to the African-American community.
This weekend, the entertainment industry's biggest names shined at the sixth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards, honoring the artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping culture both on and off screen.
Actress Meagan Good, music legend Patti LaBelle, and film director Tyler Perry were among those honored at the annual event, founded by Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee. The ceremony honors artists, entrepreneurs, and influencers whose impact extends far beyond headlines, box office receipts, or chart success.
The awards ceremony comes as Hollywood Unlocked continues to expand its presence in media and culture. In a recent conversation with TheGrio's Natasha S. Alford, Lee reflected on how he carved out a place for himself at the table and transformed the platform into more than just a celebrity news outlet. This vision was reflected in Thursday night's ceremony, which celebrated not only artists but also leaders whose work has created opportunities for others.
For Lee, the Impact Awards represent more than just a red carpet event. The annual ceremony has evolved into one of the most visible celebrations of Black achievement outside of traditional Hollywood institutions, recognizing individuals who have used their platforms to create lasting change in Black communities.
This mission is reflected in this year's laureates.
Few figures embody Black self-management and self-determination in the entertainment industry as vividly as Perry. Over the past two decades, he has built one of the largest independent production empires in the country, providing jobs and opportunities for countless Black actors, writers, and filmmakers, while proving that success doesn't have to come through traditional Hollywood intermediaries.
LaBelle's influence has been felt across generations. With a career spanning more than six decades, the Grammy Award-winning singer remains one of the most beloved and enduring voices in Black music, successfully scaling her career in television, publishing, and business. Her longevity has become a role model for artists seeking to build careers that outlast trends.
Goode's recognition underscores another kind of legacy: reinvention. Having begun her career in the industry as a child actress, she has successfully navigated several eras of Hollywood, becoming a producer, entrepreneur, and leading actress whose career continues to grow.
Together, the laureates tell a larger story about what success means in the African-American community. While their paths differ, each has created something lasting: a studio, a cultural legacy, a media platform, or a portfolio that continues to inspire the next generation.
As the entertainment industry continues to debate representation, ownership, and economic empowerment, the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards serve as a reminder that Black influence extends far beyond the public eye. The individuals honored don't just shape culture—they create institutions, provide opportunities, and help shape the future of Black achievement.
And for many of those present, that is what true influence means.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: RZA accepts the award for "Culture" on stage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: Jekalyn Carr performs on stage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Patti LaBelle (C) accepts the Legacy Award from Angie Martinez (R) onstage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: (L-R) Justin Jones, Tamika Mallory, MC Lyte, Tiffany Haddish and RZA attend the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo By: Arnold Turner/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Jason Lee attends the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo By: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Kehlani accepts the Fearless Award onstage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: Meagan Good accepts the Spirit Award on stage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: (L-R) Da Brat, Kehlani, Yo-Yo and MC Lyte attend the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: (L-R) Jonathan Majors, Meagan Good, Tyler Perry and Tika Sumpter attend the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: (L-R) Steven G. Hill, Chante Moore, Jason Lee, Kehlani, Kirk Franklin, Tammy Collins, Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors attend the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo By: Arnold Turner/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: Joyner Lucas performs onstage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo By: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 05: (L-R) Meagan Good and Jonathan Majors attend the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 5: Chloe Bailey performs onstage during the 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 5, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for 6th Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards) – Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
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