Today, some of the most beautiful, powerful and talented black women in the world were on hand when Essence magazine honored Cicely Tyson, Queen Latifah, Zoe Saldana, Gabourey Sidibe and Mary J. Blige during its star-studded Essence Magazine at the posh Beverly Hills Hotel.

Celebrity notables such as Paula Patton, Steve Harvey, Vivica A. Fox, Lela Rochon, Angela Bassett, Victoria Rowell, Tichina Arnold, Keri Hilson, Garcelle Beauvais, Holly Robinson Peete, Serena Williams, Tia Mowry, Nia Long, Shaun Robinson and power brokers such as Suzanne de Passe, Tracey Edmonds, Robi Reed and Marvet Britto joined close to 300 VIP guests at the intimate and exclusive Lincoln-sponsored event, which also commemorated the 40th Anniversary of the magazine as well as its annual Hollywood issue.

Styled as a fitting homage to old Hollywood décor, borrowed heavily from Truman Capote's legendary black & white ball with special ruby accents and Swarovski crystals to commemorate the 40th Anniversary, the soiree was the event du jour leading up to this year's Academy Awards on March 7.

Grammy Award winning rapper Common opened the program with spoken word tribute to black women, while the multiple Grammy Award winning gospel duo Mary Mary performed 'Can't Give Up' as a special tribute to Songstress of the Year Award recipient Blige.

The three-time Emmy Award winning thespian Tyson was presented the Legend Award by fellow Academy Award nominees Viola Davis and Laurence Fishburne. Queen Latifah was presented the Power Award by her good gal pal Jada Pinkett Smith; Box office sensation Saldana was presented the Star to Watch Award by Oscar winning 'Avatar' director James Cameron; Blige, who has appeared on the cover of Essence magazine more than any other individual, was presented the Songstress of the Year Award by actress high strung Academy Award nominee Taraji Henson. Newcomer Sidibe was presented the Best Breakthrough Performance Award by film director Lee Daniels.

In a very touching moment, Essence took time to honor one of their own: the magazine's longtime cover editor Mikki Taylor who celebrated her 30th anniversary with the brand.

A few notables -- such as actress Nicki Michaeux, entertainer and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph and best-selling author/publisher Candace Sandy -- shared their insight about the wondrous event with Blackvoices.com