FIFTH ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD UNLOCKED IMPACT AWARDS HONOR DON LEMON, FANTASIA, KEKE PALMER, LEMUEL PLUMMER, NIECY NASH BETTS, VIC MENSA AND WARREN G

Andra Day, Big Boy, Da Brat and Jesseca Harris-Dupart, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Johnny Gill, Lena Waithe, Meagan Good, Nene Leakes, Phaedra Parks, Yolanda Adams and More Came Together to Celebrate Those Who Have Made a Lasting Effect on the Culture

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, Benjamin Crump, Jason Lee

LOS ANGELES, CA – June 21, 2025 – Last night, Hollywood Unlocked, the premier entertainment media brand founded by Jason Lee, hosted their Fifth Annual Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The awards ceremony, hosted by Tiffany Haddish, celebrated honorees Don Lemon, Fantasia, Keke Palmer, Lemuel Plummer, Niecy Nash Betts, Vic Mensa and Warren G for their contributions to the culture.

During the ceremony, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett presented Don Lemon with the Social Impact Award; Yolanda Adams presented Fantasia with the Inspiration Award; Meagan Good presented Keke Palmer with the Spirit Award; Nene Leakes and Phaedra Parks presented Lemuel Plummer with the Innovator Award; Da Brat and Jesseca Harris-Dupart presented Niecy Nash Betts with the Fearlessness Award; Lena Waithe surprised the crowd, coming to the stage to present Vic Mensa with the Community Award, and Big Boy presented Warren G with the Culture Award.

In her remarks, Nash-Betts said, “When you allow people to show up as their full self, you don’t just change lives, you save them. That is real impact. I am standing here because fearless people came before me, and I am reaching back for those who are coming next.”

Talking about what spirit means to her, Palmer said, “I think about those nights tossing and turning, wondering if I made the right choice, if I was dreaming too big. And then that quiet voice shows up and says, ‘just believe, keep going. What's meant for you will be yours.’ Even when you don't feel ready. Even when the path forward isn’t obvious. Even when the doubt creeps in. That’s the spirit I’ve leaned on time and time again.” 

The on-stage programming also included powerful speeches by Hollywood Unlocked founder Jason Lee, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, and attorney Benjamin Crump, as well as performances by Andra Day, Fantasia, Jessica Betts, Johnny Gill, and Yolanda Adams. Mya gave a surprise performance during the after party.

Lee spoke about how he founded Hollywood Unlocked to pull back the veil from Hollywood and show people how they want to be shown. He said, “It’s about honoring each other. It’s about ownership. It’s about freedom. It’s about having the ability to control our narratives and in some cases redirect them.”

Additional guests of the evening included: Evan Ross, Yaya DaCosta, Aiyana-Lee, B. Simone, B. Thompson, Brandon T. Jackson, Charles Harbison, Chelsea Tavares, Cortez Smith, Cynthia Bailey, D. Brooks Exclusive, Daphnique Springs, Darius McRary, Didi J, Dixson, Donald Lawrence, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, Erica Peeples, FoodGod, Freddie Gibbs, GoGo Morrow, Guapdad 4000, Joey Harris, Jonathan Majors, Joyner Lucas, Keith Washington, Lakeyah, Leon "RoccStar" Youngblood Jr, Michael Franklin, Miles Minnick, Rodesia Ransom, Rosa Acosta, Sergio Hudson, Skully Brandon, Sky Days, Stevie Mackey, Tiwa Savage, and Wack100.

Created to honor icons and leaders who have made a lasting effect on the culture, the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards highlight recipients’ contributions across the music, film, media, political, social and creative industries. Formed with the intention of developing a space to celebrate their accomplishments, contributions and innovations, the Awards pay tribute to these trailblazing talents for their outstanding achievements.

Previous Impact Award honorees include Cardi B, Babyface, Chlöe Bailey, Karen Bass, Catherine Brewton, Whoopi Goldberg, Fat Joe, Kelis, Lizzo, Christian Louboutin, Jonathan Majors, Floyd Mayweather, Law Roach, and Tupac.

The Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards will air on The Zeus Network

Media Contacts:

Emma Parker | emma.parker@ledecompany.com

Giddian Brown | giddian.brown@ledecompany.com 

Shala Munn | shala.munn@ledecompany.com