Evan Ross presented the first Impact Awards honor, detailing accolades for the Community Award to Vice President, Creative at Broadcast Music, Inc. Catherine Brewton. Tiffany Haddish presented Image Architect Law Roach with the Innovator Award which was followed by a sultry performance from R&B singer Muni Long featuring her hit “Hrs & Hrs.” Actor Sarunas Jackson presented the Fearlessness Award to Chlöe Bailey. Later, a recorded speech from Vice President Kamala Harris was played in which she thanked Jason Lee for his work in advancing and protecting the culture with the Impact Awards which honors leaders who shape our culture and our future. Grammy-winning singer Macy Gray presented a recorded acceptance from Whoopi Goldberg who received the Social Impact award, which was followed by Tyrese Gibson who presented 12x Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Babyface with the Icon Award. Attendees were delighted by a surprise performance from Chrisean Rock who performed “Vibe.” In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, rapper Joyner Lucaspresented the Culture Award to the influential late rapper Tupac who’s sister Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur accepted on his behalf stating, “A voice for the culture is not just a trend but a call to action.”
Grammy-winning gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds closed the show with a performance before Jason Lee joined Tiffany Haddish to say goodnight and thank the crowd.
A special moment of the night was the official launch of Jason Lee’s Hollywood Cares Foundation, aimed at providing resources and assistance to communities in need, with a particular focus on youth services. The foundation raised over $100K beginning with a giant check presented by Deion Taylor on behalf of Robert F. Smith and Hidden Empire, followed by another contribution from the Black Lives Matter Global Foundation.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: Sarunas J. Jackson attends the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: Babyface attends the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: (L-R) Tiffany Haddish and Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee attend the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: ChriseanRock attends the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: (L-R) Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee and Floyd Mayweather Jr. attend the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: Evan Ross attends the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 27: <> attends the 3rd Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at The Beverly Hilton on June 27, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images for Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards)