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Hollywood Unlocked Celebrates Black Leadership at Sixth Annual Impact Awards
The sixth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards took place on June 5, 2026 at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills. The ceremony honored a range of artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders whose influence extends beyond commercial success. Recipients included actress Meagan Good, singer Patti LaBelle and filmmaker Tyler Perry, who received the Innovator Award.
The event was organized by Hollywood Unlocked, a media platform founded by CEO Jason Lee. Lee, who also serves as the District 6 Vice Mayor of Stockton, California, has expanded the brand from a podcast and television series into a broader cultural platform. In interviews with TheGrio, Lee explained that the Impact Awards are intended to recognize individuals who use their platforms to create lasting change within Black communities.
Tyler Perry was highlighted for building one of the largest independently owned production empires in the United States over the past two decades. His company has produced numerous films and television series that feature Black actors, writers and crew, and has created jobs across the industry. Perry’s work is cited as an example of ownership and self‑determination in entertainment.
Patti LaBelle’s career spans more than six decades. The Grammy‑winning singer has maintained a presence in music, television, publishing and business ventures. Her longevity and diversification have made her a model for artists seeking to build careers that endure beyond trends. LaBelle’s contributions to music and culture were recognized with the Legacy Award.
Meagan Good’s inclusion reflected a different form of legacy. Good began her career as a child actress and has since expanded into producing and entrepreneurship. Her recent work includes co‑producing Tyler Perry’s “Divorce in the Black” for Amazon Prime Video. Good’s career evolution was noted as an example of reinvention and sustained relevance in Hollywood.
The awards also honored other figures such as Kehlani, SZA and Chloe Bailey, though the primary focus of the coverage was on Good, LaBelle and Perry. The ceremony emphasized that the Impact Awards serve as a visible celebration of Black achievement outside traditional Hollywood institutions, highlighting the importance of representation, ownership and economic empowerment.
The Impact Awards also serve as a platform for emerging talent. Several nominees and presenters spoke about the importance of mentorship and the need for industry structures that support Black creators. By highlighting both established and up‑and‑coming figures, the ceremony underscores Hollywood Unlocked’s commitment to building a pipeline of future leaders.
The awards’ focus on tangible impact aligns with a growing trend in the entertainment sector to measure success not only by box‑office receipts or streaming numbers but also by social contribution and community development. This approach reflects a broader industry shift toward inclusive storytelling and equitable business practices.
The Beverly Hilton, a venue that has hosted numerous high‑profile events, provided a backdrop for the ceremony. Attendees included industry executives, musicians and actors, many of whom spoke about the importance of representation and ownership in media.
Looking ahead, Hollywood Unlocked has indicated plans to broaden the awards’ categories to include technology, philanthropy and digital media, and to increase its online engagement through live streaming and interactive content. The organization aims to make the event accessible to a global audience.
The Impact Awards also underscored the significance of community investment. Several honorees emphasized their commitment to mentorship and philanthropy, underscoring the awards’ focus on tangible impact rather than solely artistic achievement.
Industry observers note that the awards reinforce Hollywood Unlocked’s role as a cultural commentator and advocate. By spotlighting individuals who have built institutions, created opportunities and shaped future generations, the event underscores a broader trend of artists using their influence to drive social change.
Hollywood Unlocked plans to expand the awards to include a broader range of categories and to increase its digital presence in the coming years, according to the organization’s public statements. The next event is scheduled for 2027.
In summary, the sixth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards highlighted the achievements of Meagan Good, Patti LaBelle and Tyler Perry, among others, celebrating their contributions to entertainment and community empowerment. The event reinforced Hollywood Unlocked’s position as a platform that elevates Black excellence and fosters industry leadership. Overall, the ceremony set a precedent for future celebrations that prioritize impact over headline metrics.
The event was organized by Hollywood Unlocked, a media platform founded by CEO Jason Lee. Lee, who also serves as the District 6 Vice Mayor of Stockton, California, has expanded the brand from a podcast and television series into a broader cultural platform. In interviews with TheGrio, Lee explained that the Impact Awards are intended to recognize individuals who use their platforms to create lasting change within Black communities.
Tyler Perry was highlighted for building one of the largest independently owned production empires in the United States over the past two decades. His company has produced numerous films and television series that feature Black actors, writers and crew, and has created jobs across the industry. Perry’s work is cited as an example of ownership and self‑determination in entertainment.
Patti LaBelle’s career spans more than six decades. The Grammy‑winning singer has maintained a presence in music, television, publishing and business ventures. Her longevity and diversification have made her a model for artists seeking to build careers that endure beyond trends. LaBelle’s contributions to music and culture were recognized with the Legacy Award.
Meagan Good’s inclusion reflected a different form of legacy. Good began her career as a child actress and has since expanded into producing and entrepreneurship. Her recent work includes co‑producing Tyler Perry’s “Divorce in the Black” for Amazon Prime Video. Good’s career evolution was noted as an example of reinvention and sustained relevance in Hollywood.
The awards also honored other figures such as Kehlani, SZA and Chloe Bailey, though the primary focus of the coverage was on Good, LaBelle and Perry. The ceremony emphasized that the Impact Awards serve as a visible celebration of Black achievement outside traditional Hollywood institutions, highlighting the importance of representation, ownership and economic empowerment.
The Impact Awards also serve as a platform for emerging talent. Several nominees and presenters spoke about the importance of mentorship and the need for industry structures that support Black creators. By highlighting both established and up‑and‑coming figures, the ceremony underscores Hollywood Unlocked’s commitment to building a pipeline of future leaders.
The awards’ focus on tangible impact aligns with a growing trend in the entertainment sector to measure success not only by box‑office receipts or streaming numbers but also by social contribution and community development. This approach reflects a broader industry shift toward inclusive storytelling and equitable business practices.
The Beverly Hilton, a venue that has hosted numerous high‑profile events, provided a backdrop for the ceremony. Attendees included industry executives, musicians and actors, many of whom spoke about the importance of representation and ownership in media.
Looking ahead, Hollywood Unlocked has indicated plans to broaden the awards’ categories to include technology, philanthropy and digital media, and to increase its online engagement through live streaming and interactive content. The organization aims to make the event accessible to a global audience.
The Impact Awards also underscored the significance of community investment. Several honorees emphasized their commitment to mentorship and philanthropy, underscoring the awards’ focus on tangible impact rather than solely artistic achievement.
Industry observers note that the awards reinforce Hollywood Unlocked’s role as a cultural commentator and advocate. By spotlighting individuals who have built institutions, created opportunities and shaped future generations, the event underscores a broader trend of artists using their influence to drive social change.
Hollywood Unlocked plans to expand the awards to include a broader range of categories and to increase its digital presence in the coming years, according to the organization’s public statements. The next event is scheduled for 2027.
In summary, the sixth annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards highlighted the achievements of Meagan Good, Patti LaBelle and Tyler Perry, among others, celebrating their contributions to entertainment and community empowerment. The event reinforced Hollywood Unlocked’s position as a platform that elevates Black excellence and fosters industry leadership. Overall, the ceremony set a precedent for future celebrations that prioritize impact over headline metrics.
