The Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), along with Warner Horizon TV and award-winning filmmaker Ava DuVernay hosted an intimate screening of the much-anticipated original drama series “Queen Sugar” with cast members Rutina Wesley, Omar Dorsey and Dondre Whitfield for a select crowd of VIPs during the 2016 Essence Festival. Celebs in attendance included Common, Janelle Monae, Omari Hardwick, Lynn Whitfield and Michelle Williams.

OWN also hosted a Q&A cocktail reception moderated by Essence entertainment director Cori Murray featuring the cast and show creator Ava DuVernay at Legacy Kitchen in New Orleans. An inspiring keynote speech by “Queen Sugar” executive producer Oprah Winfrey was given to a crowd of over 200 industry insiders and celebs celebrating the new series including Gayle King, Tina Knowles Lawson, Adrienne Bailon, Lalah Hathaway and Tichina Arnold.

Queen Sugar will debut as a two-night event on September 6 and September 7 at 10PM ET/PT on OWN.

Photos Courtesy of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network / Photographer: Mariana Sheppard