Written by | Ray Cornelius
The BronzeLens Film Festival hosted its 6th Annual Women Superstars Luncheon Friday afternoon at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. The star-studded event, which was sponsored by Macy’s, is the most sought after ticket of the festival.
This year’s ceremony recognized the talent of rising actress Brely Evans (Being Mary Jane, Shame) as well as award-winning TV/film executive Shelby Stone (Bessie) and actress/producer Terri J. Vaughn (Girlfriends Getaway). The most anticipated honoree was legendary Motown music, television and film executive Suzanne dePasse, who recieved the Legendary Behind the Lens Award. BronzeLens Executive Producer Kathleen Bertrand also received an award for her 32 years of service as the Sr. VP of Community and Governmental Affairs at Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB).
Honoree Shelby Stone with Anthony Williams and Karyn Parsons
Ms. DePasse also participated in a special conversation about her illustrious career with Atlanta media personality Karyn Greer. During the “fireside” chat, Ms. DePasse recounted how she discovered The Jackson Five as well as the making of Lady Sings the Blues, in which she received an Academy Awards nomination as the film’s co-writer. She also announced that she was working on a remake of Mahogany as well as the film adaptation of Star Jones’ book, Satan’s Sisters. Follwing the conversation was a musical tribute to Ms. DePasse by Atlanta’s own Collective Group, who performed a number of Motown hits from The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and The Jackson 5.
DePasse with Dexter King and his wife Leah Webber
There were also a number of other celebrities spotted throughout the event including Tasha Smith (Empire, Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse), Cocoa Brown (Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, American Crime Story), Cas Sigers Beedles (filmmaker/Girlfriends Getaway I & II), Xernona Clayton (The Trumpet Awards) Drexina Nelson (Celebrity Photographer), Anthony Williams (Fashion Designer), Cocoa Brown (Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse, American Crime Story) and Karyn Parsons (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air). The luncheon was hosted by comedian, actress and radio personality Myra J.
Check out more photos below:
Cocoa Brown
Tasha Smith and Brely Evans acting up
Terri J. Vaughn with husband Karon Riley
Drexina Nelson/ Valerie Benning Barney with William Mickey Stevenson
Kathleen Bertrand
Tasha Smith with Roger M. Bobb
Charmain Ward (Center) with Kimberly Joseph and Michelle Falconer
Theo Tyson and friend
Suzanne dePasse being interviewed by BronzeLens Film Festival
Brely Evans accepting her award
A very emotional Terri J. Vaughn accepting her award
Shelby Stone receiving her award from Judge Glenda Hatchett
Suzanne dePasse receiving her award
Suzanne dePasse and Roger M. Bobb
Suzanne dePasse talking to Karyn Greer about her career at Motown
Imara Canady with Myra J.
The Collective performing Motown hits
Honorees and BLFF Staff and Board Members
Filmmaker Princess Monique and friend
Myra J. with honorees Suzanne dePasse and Terri J. Vaughn
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com