Hollywood Unlocked has officially announced the return of its highly anticipated Sixth Annual Impact Awards. Taking place this summer, the media brand will once again celebrate the brightest influencers, celebrities, and icons who are making a lasting mark on the culture and the Black community.
This year, film and television multi-hyphenate Tyler Perry will take center stage as the recipient of the prestigious Innovator Award.
The 2026 Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards will take place on Friday, June 5, at 7:00 PM PST at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles.
Attendees can expect an evening filled with special performances, an intimate dinner, and an exclusive star-studded after-party.
Emmy, GRAMMY, and NAACP Image Award-winning actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish will return as the evening’s host. She will be joined by legendary 13-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, producer, and songwriter Babyface, who is returning to oversee the night’s musical direction.
Perry is being recognized with the Innovator Award, a category specifically designed for an individual who has transformed a genre within the entertainment industry. The award celebrates pioneers who have demonstrated incredible longevity and consistency in their field.
Given his groundbreaking work as a director, writer, producer, and studio owner, Perry is the perfect embodiment of this honor.
He joins an elite group of past Impact Award honorees, which includes massive names like Sharon Stone, Cardi B, Don Lemon, Niecy Nash, Chlöe Bailey, Law Roach, Whoopi Goldberg, Floyd Mayweather, Kelis, and Lizzo.
Founded by CEO, culture critic, and media personality Jason Lee, the event highlights contributions across the music, film, media, political, social, and creative industries. Lee originally launched the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards in 2020 as an annual event to honor those who have made a lasting effect on Black culture.
Beyond celebrating the culture, the evening is dedicated to giving back. The 2026 ceremony will benefit the Hollywood Cares Foundation, a nonprofit organization also founded by Lee.
The foundation focuses on uplifting underserved youth in Black and Brown communities through programming centered on youth leadership, civic engagement, and personal development. To help further this mission, a portion of the proceeds from the evening will go directly toward supporting these life-changing initiatives.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hollywood Unlocked
