LOS ANGELES — Oscar nominee Aunjanue Ellis was the first to be honored Thursday at Essence’s annual Black Women in Hollywood awards and luncheon.
Ellis, up for a supporting actress statue for her portrayal of Williams family matriarch Oracene Price in the best picture contender “King Richard,” was introduced to the stage by her co-star (and fellow nominee) Will Smith.
“The central word that describes Aunjanue Ellis is integrity,” said Smith, who grew teary for a moment during his remarks. “She don’t care about money, she don’t care about ‘making our day’ on set, she cares about people. She cares about treating people right. She does not play injustice, she does not play unfairness, she does not play brutality — verbal or otherwise. And at the core of Aunjanue is a fierce, noble integrity. And what is beautiful about being friends with Aunjanue is she demands it of you in the most loving way.”
