Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce and Terrence Howard bring serious glamour as they lead the stars at the grand opening gala of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta
- Tyler Perry officially christened his massive new film studio in Atlanta, with a host of celebrity guests
- Beyonce, Oprah Winfrey, Samuel L. Jackson, Halle Berry all helped him christen the 330-acre facility
- Tyler Perry Studios has 12 soundstages, each named after seminal black actors and actresses
- Oprah said: ‘He didn’t wait for other people to validate. He said I’m going to create my own way’
Tyler Perry officially christened his massive new film studio Saturday, beaming as his fellow entertainment industry luminaries descended on Atlanta and strode a red carpet to his sprawling complex for an opening gala.
It’s been dubbed the ‘Hollywood of the South’, and much of that has to do with Perry.
On Saturday, the filmmaker, 50, threw a giant bash to celebrate the opening of his new, larger production studios, and the stars came out in spades for the swanky event.
Standouts posing in front of the step-and-repeat made of roses were none other than Oprah Winfrey, Halle Berry and Tiffany Haddish, who all wowed in diverse and rather complimentary looks.
And even Beyonce put in an appearance, posting a picture of herself in a dazzling gold dress on Instagram.
Beyonce and Oprah looked gorgeous as they helped Tyler Perry officially christen his massive new film studio in Atlanta
Gorgeous ladies: On Saturday, Tiffany Haddish and Halle Berry attended Tyler Perry’s grand opening gala for his new film studios in Atlanta, in glammer than glam looks
‘I think it’s pivotal in everything that we’ve done, everything that we’re doing still, that we continue to try to motivate and inspire people,’ Perry said, as he shook hands with well-wishers.
The 330-acre (134-hectare) studio once served as a Confederate army base, and Oprah said the new studio head is a force to be reckoned with.
She said: ‘He didn’t wait for other people to validate or to say you should go this way or that way. He said I’m going to create my own way and as we can see here, become a force for himself.’
Haddish, 39, showed off her gorgeous legs in a beautiful patterned cowl neck metallic gown, which featured a sexy slit up the front.
The silver and black dress also trailed her with a grand train.
She completed the look with silvery Mary Janes, and whisked her hair back in a neat bob.
Oprah was at the event with her longtime partner Stedman Graham.
Snazzy: Tiffany’s gown featured a sexy slit up the front
Prom pose: Media queen Oprah was present with her longtime partner Stedman Graham
Storm of glamour: Halle’s outfit featured a sexy low-cut vest and flared pants
Oprah, 65, looked gorgeous in a navy mermaid dress which showed off her trim figure beautifully.
And another huge star enjoying the festivities Saturday was Oscar-winning actress Berry, who rocked an all-black satin tuxedo ensemble with a sexy low-cut vest, flared pants and a fab fedora.
Joining Halle for a photo snap was another Academy Award winner in all black: Whoopi Goldberg, who wore a buttoned-down maxi dress, white statement necklace, and paint-speckled shoes.
Original look: Whoopi Goldberg wore a buttoned-down maxi dress, white statement necklace, and paint-speckled shoes
Halle and Whoopi in black: The two Academy Award winners posed together
Representing the musical contingent was celebrated singer Patti LaBelle, who looked delightful in a tasteful black column dress, with a jewel-encrusted cape that featured red underlining.
She also carried a bedazzled Minnie Mouse clutch.
Usher, who recently enjoyed a cameo in the hit Jlo film Hustlers, was also present, in a cute wine-colored tuxedo.
Two of the original Destiny’s Child members—Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, to be exact—held a mini reunion on the red carpet, joined by BH90210’s Lala Anthony.
Queen-like: Representing the musical contingent was celebrated singer Patti LaBelle
Fresh from Hustlers: Usher was also present, in a cute wine-colored tuxedo
Where’s Bey: Two of the original Destiny’s Child members—Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, to be exact—held a mini reunion on the red carpet, joined by BH90210’s Lala Anthony
Look of the night: Gospel singer BeBe Winans stunned in a gorgeous Versace-style blazer
The man of the hour, Tyler Perry, shined at his event in a white blazer over black shirt and pants, topped off with shiny patent black leather shoes.
Perry purchased huge complex where the new studios are opening back in 2015.
The Tyler Perry Studios are now one of the largest film production studios in the country—and establishes Tyler as the first African-American to own a film production studio of this stature.
The studio has 12 soundstages, each named after seminal black actors and actresses.
Samuel L. Jackson pointed to Perry’s vision as the key to his ascent.
‘This is more about Tyler the entrepreneur. The visionary. A guy who understands that ownership means that you can do what you want,’ Jackson said as he paused along the red carpet.
Oscar winner Viola Davis, who was featured in Perry’s 2009 comedy Madea Goes To Jail, was also among the gala attendees, in a strapless pastel pink gown with a beautifully draped hem.
Another celebrated actress, Euphoria’s Storm Reid, arrived and cut a chic figure in a grey patterned pantsuit.
The man of the hour: Tyler Perry shined at his event in a white blazer over black shirt and pants, topped off with shiny patent black leather shoes
Oscar winner: Viola Davis, who was featured in Perry’s 2009 comedy Madea Goes To Jail, was also among the gala attendees, in a pretty strapless pastel pink gown
Smart and chic: Sixteen-year-old Storm Reid arrived in a brilliant and elegant grey patterned pantsuit
Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, who won his first Oscar for writing last year’s BlacKkKlansman after almost 40 years in the business, attended in his customary sports gear—a Yankees baseball cap and blazer, over a polka dot dress shirt and white slacks.
Perry mainstay Taraji P. Henson stunned in a sleeveless black column dress that featured feathered trim around the neck and in diagonal cascading stripes.
Chris Tucker, also known as Ruby Rhod from The Fifth Element, was also a guest at the event, wearing an eye-catching deep green tux with western-style cowboy embellishments.
New York sports fan: Spike Lee attended in his customary sports gear—a Yankees baseball cap and blazer, over a polka dot dress shirt and white slacks
One of Tyler Perry’s muses: Taraji P. Henson stunned in a sleeveless black column dress that featured feathered trim around the neck and in diagonal cascading stripes
Ruby Rhod: Chris Tucker was also a guest at the event, in an eccentric getup
Oprah’s best friend, journalist and author Gayle King, was in a beautiful electric blue one-shouldered dress with a fun frill at the top.
Precious actress Gabourey Sidibe brought the sparkle to the evening, in a ruched gold sequinned midi dress with draped sleeves.
When They See Us director Ava DuVernay attended in a dusty red maxi dress with a pretty belt detail, along with strappy ruby red slippers.
Frilly fun: Oprah’s best friend, journalist and author Gayle King, was in a beautiful electric blue one-shouldered dress
Glamorous: Precious actress Gabourey Sidibe brought the sparkle to the evening, in a ruched gold sequinned midi dress with draped sleeves
Fairy tale chic: When They See Us director Ava DuVernay attended in a dusty red maxi dress with a pretty belt detail
Former Miss America and accomplished actress Vanessa Williams looked gorgeous at the opening, in navy satin which she accessorized with a gorgeous gold statement necklace and matching shoes.
Continuing the colorful suit trend of the evening was prolific actor Samuel L. Jackson, in a pale purple tuxedo with black lapels, spotted bow tie, and matching velvet cap.
Hustle And Flow’s Terrence Howard was also in a unique formal look, in an elaborately patterned black velvet blazer, complimentary vest, and mustard ascot. He attended with his ex-wife Miranda Pak.
Blue and gold vision: Vanessa Williams looked gorgeous at the opening, in navy satin which she accessorized with a gorgeous gold statement necklace and matching shoes
Nick Fury himself: Continuing the colorful suit trend of the evening was prolific actor Samuel L. Jackson, in a pale purple tuxedo
The night belonged to the gentlemen: Terrence Howard was also in a unique formal look, in an elaborately patterned black velvet blazer, complimentary vest, and mustard ascot
Ludacris also got in on the showy men’s looks, in a shiny pale blue paisley suit with bow tie and patent leather shoes. He was flanked by his beautiful wife Eudoxie Bridges, in slinky black velvet.
Stacey Abrams, politician, lawyer and author, was also present, in a flattering black and silver bejeweled maxi dress.
CNN correspondent Don Lemon and his fiance Tim Malone were also at the gala, in complimenting tuxes that were charcoal grey and dusty blue, respectively.
Black and blue: Ludacris also got in on the showy men’s looks, in a shiny pale blue paisley suit; he attended with his beautiful wife Eudoxie Bridges
Stunning silhouette: Stacey Abrams attended in a flattering black and silver bejeweled maxi dress
Soon-to-be husbands: Don Lemon and his fiance Tim Malone were also at the gala, in complimenting tuxes that were charcoal grey and dusty blue, respectively
‘Retired’ NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick looked stately in a pale green suit complete with a metallic gold banner adornment on his front, joined by his gorgeous partner Nessa Diab in a brown floral dress.
Keshia Knight Pulliam, most famous for her role of Rudy Huxtable on The Cosby Show, looked all grown up in a showstopping grey-scale embroidered mermaid gown, with feather-trimmed epaulets and a lavish train.
Magic Johnson’s wife—and EJ Johnson’s mother—Cookie Johnson looked beautiful at the event as well, in pleated blue chiffon.
Pretty patterns: Colin Kaepernick looked stately in a pale green suit complete with a metallic gold banner adornment on his front, joined by his gorgeous partner Nessa Diab in a brown floral dress
It’s Rudy: Keshia Knight Pulliam looked all grown up in a showstopping grey-scale embroidered mermaid gown, with feather-trimmed epaulets and a lavish train
Lady sings the blues: Magic Johnson’s wife—and EJ Johnson’s mother—Cookie Johnson looked beautiful in pleated blue chiffon
Broadcaster and host Tamron Hall also wore a chiffon look, in the form of a pale pink ruffled off-the-shoulder gown.
Former United States ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young was in attendance as well, with his wife Carolyn. Andrew donned a multicolored vest under his black tux, while Carolyn looked regal in ivory and gold.
Beyonce’s mother Tina Knowles posed for photos in her beautiful black suit dress, and her daughter was in attendance as well—choosing not pose on the arrivals line.
Floating frothy look: Tamron Hall also wore a chiffon look, in the form of a pale pink ruffled off-the-shoulder gown
Stately: Former United States ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Young was in attendance as well, with his wife Carolyn
Proud mother: Beyonce’s mother Tina Knowles posed for photos in her beautiful black suit dress
Stunning: Michelle Sneed also wore a mermaid dress, one that featured a gorgeous ruffle on one shoulder
Twinsies: Lynn Whitfield and daughter Grace Gibson were gorgeous in matching silver and pink striped metallics
Survivin’: Lisa Ann Russell and Jeff Probst attended, with Lisa in a gorgeous pleated halter dress with a Japanese print
Grand: Kym Whitley wowed in an eggplant column dress with cape sleeves and silvery embellishments
Smiling: Dr. Phil McGraw and his wife Robin attended, with Robin in black lace
Stunner: Rachel Lindsay also wowed in a sparkly number, a sleeveless halter column gown
Among the glitzy couples who arrived on the red carpet was the legendary singer Gladys Knight with her husband and fellow performer William McDowell.
Julissa Bermudez flashed a bit of her taut midriff in a black peekaboo dress, while Geoffrey Owens was classically dashing in a black tuxedo.
Actresses Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, who happen to be sisters, were glimpsed standing side by side for family photos at the newly christened studios.
Black and silver was a winning combination for a number of guests, including Jenifer Lewis with a gleaming jumpsuit and Sunny Hostin with a sparkling gown.
Icon: Among the glitzy couples who arrived on the red carpet was the legendary singer Gladys Knight with her husband and fellow performer William McDowell
Glamour: Julissa Bermudez (left) flashed a bit of her taut midriff in a black peekaboo dress, while Geoffrey Owens (right) was classically dashing in a black tuxedo
Family business: Actresses Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, who happen to be sisters, were glimpsed standing side by side for family photos at the newly christened studios
Motif: Black and silver was a winning combination for a number of guests, including Jenifer Lewis with a gleaming jumpsuit and Sunny Hostin with a sparkling gown
The rapper 2Chainz modeled a black suit with a trio of necklaces and cut a romantic figure on the red carpet with his longtime love Kesha Ward, whom he married in Miami last year.
Tyrese Gibson cut a dapper figure in a monochrome outfit that featured an eye-popping white jacket, as Jill Scott draped herself in a yellow-accented silver wrap for the occasion.
Real Housewife Of Atlanta Tanya Sam looked the picture of happiness, glowing as she walked the red carpet alongside her tuxedo-clad fiance Paul Judge.
Jazmine Sullivan bared her cleavage in a busty shimmering gown, as Bevy Smith made her mark in a sparkling ensemble and Tamera Mowry-Housley was radiant in electric blue.
The look of love: The rapper 2Chainz modeled a black suit with a trio of necklaces and cut a romantic figure on the red carpet with his longtime love Kesha Ward, whom he married in Miami last year
Swank: Tyrese Gibson (left) cut a dapper figure in a monochrome outfit that featured an eye-popping white jacket, as Jill Scott (right) draped herself in a yellow-accented monochrome wrap for the occasion
Looking fab: Real Housewife Of Atlanta Tanya Sam looked the picture of happiness, glowing as she walked the red carpet alongside her tuxedo-clad fiance Paul Judge
Trio: Jazmine Sullivan (left) bared her cleavage in a busty shimmering gown, as Bevy Smith (center) made her mark in a sparkling ensemble and Tamera Mowry-Housley (right) was radiant in electric blue
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