Taraji P. Henson, star of Empire, will host the 21st annual BET Awards, which will take place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. On Sunday evening, the 50-year-old actress debuted a Versace gown with a high slit on the red carpet.
Regarding her grand entrance for the evening, she teased: “I’ll get my Beyonce on!” I have chills. Taraji went all out for the evening and commanded the red carpet ahead of hosting.
In a Versace gown, she wore a black sheer corset adorned with sequins, as well as a very high slit that exposed her left leg. The dress featured a high neck with sparkle detailing and a signature Italian brand print in black, gold, and hot pink. In black platform heels with ankle straps, Henson wore Versace head to toe. She wore her hair straight, cascading past her hips. In addition to her pearl drop earrings and matching rings, she wore a custom manicure adorned with sparkling crystals from UK designer Nadine Aysoy.
During her interview with PEOPLE, she teased big things to come. ‘I’m excited about my entrance! It’s a check off my life’s bucket list. That’s all I have to say… I’m gonna get my Beyoncé on! She continued to express nerves about the situation. “Oh, my God, I have chills. It’s time to cross this off the bucket list! I’m getting ready to do it live on national TV! The Oscar-nominated actress also said she would be changing her outfits a few times throughout the night, joking that they would make you gag.
She had confessed to eating less to fit in all the fabulous costumes she had chosen with stylist Jason Bolden, which she had helped select and style. I have to follow the numbers that Jason [Josh] provided for all of the designers. So I am doing the math. That’s good for the body and the mind, as is taking it easy, getting lots of rest, drinking a lot of water, and staying moisturized.
This year’s show celebrates Black excellence in music, and the theme is ‘Year of the Black Woman.’ Queen Latifah will receive this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades-long success in film and music. Taraji P. Henson praised Beauty Shop star, Queen Latifah, saying she ‘taught’ her a thing or two about acting. ‘I’m grateful we are giving her flowers while she is still alive,’ Taraji said. She taught me that acting is more than just being in front of the camera. This award is long overdue for her.
