Last night (Sept. 19), movie fans and industry insiders converged upon New York City’s School of Visual Art theater to kick off the 2013 Urbanworld Film Festival. Baggage Claim, starring Derek Luke, Paula Patton, Taye Diggs, Jill Scott, Jenifer Lewis and Adam Brody, marks 17th year of the HBO and BET presented annual event. The David E. Talbert movie wrote, directed and produced the rom-com, which is based on his own novel.
Patton plays a stewardess who takes to the skies for a 30-day air-travel odyssey in search of a potential husband. Djimon Hounsou, Trey Songz, Djimon Housou and Derek Luke are also in the picture, which hits theaters on Sept. 27. The festival opener, which marks a full-circle turn for Talbert, finds the director returning with smiles after winning an award in 1997.
VIBE was on hand for the red carpet festivities, which featured appearances by Rickey Smiley, Earthquake, Big Daddy Kane, Jill Scott and the principal cast of Baggage Claim. Scroll through to see who else was on the red carpet.
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Sean Ringgold
The One Life to Live actor came to support the film and join in on the excitement. -
Ariane Davis
Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta came up North to celebrate David E. Talbert’s latest project. -
Big Daddy Kane
The legendary “Smooth Operator” managed to put a pep in the paparazzi’s step while on the red carpet. -
Derek Luke
The male lead in David E. Talbert’s picture made all the women envious, as he brought his wife Sophia down the red carpet. -
Jenifer Lewis
The always outspoken actress with that recognizable voice, the former Aunt Helen proved that she is a true force to reckon with. -
Jennifer Williams
The fashionable reality TV star was all smiles while attending the Baggage Claim premiere. -
Jill Scott
Arguably, the best reason to see Baggage Claim, the Philly songstress was energetic at the Urbanworld Film Festival opening night. -
Kangol Kid
The former UTFO front man behind “Roxanne, Roxanne,” was truly happy to be at the 2013 Urbanworld Film Festival. -
David E. Talbert
Accompanied by his wife, Lyn, whom also makes a cameo in the film, director David E. Talbert has been a longtime support of the Urbanworld Film Festival. -
Nicole Paultre Bell
The fiancee of the late Sean Bell gave the camera all of her wonderful colors while on the red carpet of the Baggage Claim premiere. -
Paula Patton
The film’s leading lady was working her heart-filled outfit, and presented an intriguing take on love in David E. Talbert’s film. -
Paula Patton
Sans her husband, Robin Thicke, all eyes were on Paula Patton as she strutted down the red carpet. -
The Cast of Baggage Claim
Rickey Smiley, Derek Luke, Jill Scott, Paula Patton, and director David E. Talbert all posed together for the inaugural shot that set off the 2013 Urbanworld Film Festival.