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Viola Davis - When Essence gathers “ladies who lunch,” there’s a whole lot of fabulousness in the room! The magazine hosted their 5th Annual Black Women in Hollywood event on February 23, and while everyone looked extraordinary, here are some of our favorite looks that swept down the red carpet. Viola found another win in this classic-cut Victoria Beckham dress she paired with Salvatore Ferragamo pumps and a Judith Leiber clutch, but she really turned heads by rocking her natural hair. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)

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Kelly Rowland - Kelly shined in a Jean Fares Couture dress and nude peep-toe Christian Louboutin heels. And shout out to her trainer Janette Jenkins, who also attended the fete, for keeping her looking fabulous in form-fitting looks like this. The exercise duo, who have their own “Sexy Abs” DVD, are our Motivation to keep it together for summer! (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Paula Patton - The honoree, who recently denied rumors that she’s pregnant with a second child, was svelte in a fitted Marchesa dress and silver pumps. (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Jordin Sparks - The singer appropriately wore a shimmering wrap dress to perform her tribute to Whitney Houston, “Look Into Your Heart,” a song from her upcoming movie Sparkle. Houston produced the film before her untimely passing. "Every day when she came in she was so happy and so joyous to be there. She would walk in and say 'How are my babies today? My babies good? God is good!' Every morning she came in like that,” Sparks said of the late star. (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Kerry Washington - Essence’s March 2012 cover girl arrived in a ladylike Cushnie et Ochs dress with a bright Kate Spade “Make Headlines Travel Edition Magazine” clutch and red Brian Atwood pumps for a look that struck the perfect balance of sweet and sass. “It’s a very ladylike silhouette, but it's white leather so it's badass,” she told Essence of her peplum piece. (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Photo By (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

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Tika Sumpter - Tika has always been a refreshing presence on the red carpet with her fresh and trendy looks! The Sparkle and Think Like a Man actress styled in a lace LBD by  LaQuan Smith that featured a short train. (Photo: Todd Williamson/WireImage)

Photo By Photo: Todd Williamson/WireImage

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Tatyana Ali - BET’s Love That Girl star played peek-a-boo on the red carpet in a keyhole sequined bronze dress with satin bottom. Sexy, sexy! (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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MC Lyte - OK, MC Lyte! The iconic rapper got dolled up in a sequined frock in a trendy color of the moment — cobalt — with strappy silver sandals. (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Nicole Ari Parker - Parker flipped her usual style script and went full-on boho chic in a belted BCBG Max Azria maxi dress complemented with chunky bangles, hoop earrings and a braided side bun. (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

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Annie Ilonzeh - The ABC Charlie’s Angels star has us feigning for spring in this cheery mint green dress with nude pumps and voluminous curls.  (Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo:  Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images