In February 2016, Jada Pinkett Smith posed with her mom, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, at Debbie Allen’s “Freeze Frame” gala at The Wallis Annenberg Center for Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.
Jada Pinkett Smith wears her hair back as she arrives at the “Freeze Frame” Gala held on February 4, 2016, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
The proceeds from Debbie Allen’s “Freeze Frame” gala help fund scholarships and programs at DADA, allowing students from underserved communities to access high-quality dance training and arts education. The event not only showcases the talent nurtured by the academy but also raises awareness about the importance of arts education in fostering positive change in society.
“Freeze Frame” is a stage production created and directed by Debbie Allen. It’s a multimedia musical that combines dance, music, and spoken word to tell a powerful story addressing critical social issues like gun violence, racial tension, and the struggles faced by inner-city youth.
Not unfamiliar with crime on television, Jada appeared as Maria Mercedes “Fish” Mooney in the television series Gotham. Portraying a former member of the Falcone crime family and the owner of Mooney’s Nightclub, her character dies after being dropped off the side of a tall building by Penguin (Robin Lord Taylor).
(L-R) Actors Donal Logue, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Ben McKenzie attend the “Gotham” Series Premiere at The New York Public Library on September 15, 2014, in New York City (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
Fish Mooney is resurrected and appears recurrently in the second and third seasons of the series. Jada’s character makes her final exit in “Destiny Calling,” the twenty-first episode of the third season.
“I was shocked; I wasn’t expecting it. The plan was that Fish would only be there for a year,” Jada told The Root in an exclusive interview about playing Fish Mooney for more than one season.
“It was really sad when it was time for her, but when they told me they wanted to resurrect her, it was such a blessing. I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy playing her. I’ve learned I’m really nice compared to Fish Mooney. Some of the places I have the freedom to go with the character, Jada will never go. My value systems are totally different. Fish Mooney has absolutely no regard for any of that. She only values what she desires, and what she desires is not a great thing to have,” she added.
Cast as Fish Mooney in February 2014, Jada Pinkett Smith had just turned 43 when the series premiered on Fox on September 22, 2014. Born on September 18, 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland, Jada was 42 when filming the first season.
Jada Pinkett Smith as Fish Mooney exudes power in a metallic strapless gown and dramatic statement necklace in Gotham (Credit: Fox)
“Freeze Frame” is said to take the audience on “a rollercoaster ride through some of L.A.’s toughest streets where gangs, poverty, violence, and drugs are an everyday reality.”
“It’s like all these souls keep speaking to me and it’s like we’ve got to do something about it,” Emmy Award-winning choreographer Debbie Allen told THR.
“Yeah, people should be able to have guns. But let’s do it in a safe way. Let’s be reasonable and let’s give some more education and opportunity, and help people that are in need who become desperate.”
Jada Pinkett Smith poses with her mother, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, both elegantly dressed in black, highlighting their impeccable style and grace (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
The Collateral actress went girly for the event, choosing a sleeveless LBD with an ultra-feminine silhouette and ruched and ruffle detailing around the skirt.
Jada Pinkett Smith wears a ruffled black dress at the “Freeze Frame” Gala (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
Jada wore a bangle, earrings, rings, and crystal-embellished heels to give the little black dress a touch of sparkle.
Jada Pinkett Smith wears red lipstick and crystal earrings with her black dress (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
A red satin clutch that matched her lipstick added a pop of color to her dark outfit, and side-parted raven locks completed her look.
Jada Pinkett Smith was an executive producer on the American medical drama television series “Hawthorn” (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
Jada rounded out her look with strappy sandals from Fendi’s Spring 2015 collection, which feature a modern caged silhouette.
Jada Pinkett Smith stuns in a ruffled black dress paired with crystal-embellished strappy heels and a vibrant red clutch at the “Freeze Frame” Gala (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
They also have crystal-embellished front straps, crocodile back panels, double adjustable ankle straps, open toes, and 4.15-inch cutout lacquer heels.
With a height of 4ft 11 ½ inches (151.1 cm), Jada Pinkett Smith’s 4.15-inch heels brought her up to approximately 5ft 3 ½ inches (160.3 cm), significantly boosting her stature.
A close-up of Jada Pinkett Smith’s feet showcases her stunning crystal-embellished strappy black heels (Credit: Guillermo Proano / FayesVision / WENN / Ivan Nikolov)
These Fendi sandals are no longer available, but a flatform version can still be purchased at Farfetch.
Fendi Crystal Leather Cage Sandals, $2,200
Fendi Silver Crystal Crocodile & Leather Cage Sandals, $2,335