When you bring together four legendary comedians, their friends who are also comics, and some of their most loyal fans, you get a room filled with unbridled laughter and, surprisingly, a few tears. That is whatĀ Lexus UPTOWN Honors HollywoodĀ award ceremony attendees experienced Wednesday night at the Sunset Room Hollywood.
The luxury car brand and the culture publication honored Cedric the Entertainer,Ā Kym Whitley,Ā Deon Cole, andĀ Guy TorryĀ for their contributions to American culture, arts, and entertainment. The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of hip hop, asĀ Guy Torry’sĀ iconic documentary “Phat Tuesdays: The Era of Hip Hop Comedy” explores the intersection of the music genre and Black comedy during a significant time in the 1990s.
“I want to thank Lexus for honoring Black comedians,”Ā Guy TorryĀ said during his funny and sometimes emotional acceptance speech. The “Phat Tuesdays” creator also thanked his older brother, comedianĀ Joe Torry, for paving a path to success for him.
Anthony AndersonĀ was on hand to present Cedric the Entertainer his award. “The Neighborhood” actor/comedian kept the crowd in stitches while paying homage to the comics he idolized, likeĀ Richard Pryor,Ā Redd Fox, andĀ Eddie Murphy.
Whitley, the only woman honored, expressed her gratitude through laughter and tears. She told the audience that after 35 years in the business, this is the first time she has been recognized or honored.
HonoreeĀ Deon ColeĀ shared how he and his fellow comedians felt about being recognized for their hard work. “This means something to us. We’re excited to be here because we’re probably not going to get this again.”
Actor, comedian, writer, and producerĀ Chris SpencerĀ and award-winning media personalityĀ Tai BeauchampĀ hosted the event. Presenters includedĀ Bill BellamyĀ and Affion Crockett. Other notable attendees wereĀ Len Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Uptown Media Ventures,Ā Richard Brooks,Ā Lil Rel Howery,Ā Mona Scott-Young,Ā Salli Richardson-Whitfield,Ā Dondre Whitfield, and more.Ā (Getty images linked here.)
About UPTOWN Magazine
Founded in 2004, UPTOWN Magazine celebrates the luxury lifestyle of professional and influential urban consumers across the country by creating a national magazine with city-specific editions inĀ New York,Ā Chicago,Ā Atlanta, D.C., and Charlotte. Our editorial content, promotion, and brand extensions communicate the appeal of a luxury lifestyle with an authoritative voice and sophisticated design. Editorial content highlights the best in real estate, automotive, fashion & jewelry, health & beauty, travel & leisure, food & wine, sports, and entertainment & culture. It also includes provocative profiles of the tastemakers that represent this audience.
