`ESSENCE AWARDS' A TOP-NOTCH CELEBRATION

Over the past few years I've written in praise of FOX's annual "Essence Awards" telecast. It's the highlight of the year in the world of black entertainment.

But let's take a second to make a point or two. Although this show celebrates black achievement, it transcends race. And no awards show on television has a more noble focus.

Tune in at 8 and you'll see moving tributes to a host of honorees, including Bryant Gumbel's emotional salute to boxing great Muhammad Ali, who is on hand to receive Essence magazine's first Living Legend Award. Whitney Houston is given another new prize, the Triumphant Spirit Award. This year, Essence recognizes people who have made a difference in their communities. Honored are AIDS activist Marilyn Chamberlain, foster parent C. Kenneth Johnson, Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes and philanthropists Bill and Camille Cosby. The Cosbys' acceptance speech addresses the loss of their son. Stevie Wonder sings an original song in Enis Cosby's memory. Performers include Patti LaBelle, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige and CeCe Winans. LL Cool J makes a powerful speech decrying gang violence. Sinbad and Halle Berry host the gala. This energetic, inspiring and thoroughly entertaining broadcast is not to be missed. Highlights "Mystery!" KSPS at 8: Given that rerun season is officially under way, it seems right to recommend as good a repeat as you could want. Jeremy Brett stars in "The Three Gables," in which Sherlock Holmes comes to the aid of a woman (Mary Ellis) who believes her every move is being watched. "Seinfeld," NBC at 9: It's the one in which Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) loses the respect of her staff when they see her dance. Meanwhile, one of Elaine's employees (Rebecca McFarland) is hot for George (Jason Alexander). "Moloney," CBS at 9: In the evening's only first-run drama, Moloney (Peter Strauss) blows a hostage negotiation and must cope with the guilt of a young hostage's death. "Turning Point," ABC at 10: Citadel students Nancy Mace and Petra Lovetinska discuss life at the military school following highly publicized charges of sexual harassment. "48 Hours," CBS at 10: Harold Dow finds out what it takes to put together "The Greatest Show on Earth." This look at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus includes the quest by circus scouts for top acts and how ordinary people really do run off and join the circus. Cable Calls "Breaking Through," LIFE at 7: Geena Davis hosts a four-part series that examines developments in women's sports. First up: "Women Behind the Wheel." This fine hour profiles women in racing, including Indy car drivers Janet Guthrie and Lyn St. James, drag racer Shirley Muldowney, NASCAR supertruck driver Tammy Jo Kirk, and stock car racer Patty Moise. "Burning Thunder," TNN at 5: Travis Tritt and racer John Force host a look at the lightning-fast world of NHRA drag racing. "Uncle Buck" (1989), USA at 9: John Candy is the slobbish grouch left to care for his brother's kids in this affectionate comedy. "Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien" (1996), MAX at 10: You can be inspired by this Oscar-winning film biography of poet and journalist O'Brien, who has been in an iron lung most of his life. "Everybody becomes disabled unless they die first," O'Brien says in this candid profile that will make you think twice about your day-to-day complaints. Talk Time "Tonight," NBC at 11:35: Leno's fifth anniversary guests are Jerry Seinfeld ("Seinfeld") and country singer Garth Brooks. "Late Show With David Letterman," CBS at 11:35: Actor Matthew Broderick, NBA Rookie of the Year Allen Iverson and dancer Savion Glover and the cast of "Stomp." "Politically Incorrect With Bill Maher," ABC at 12:35 a.m.: Joan Rivers, Fred Willard, author James Finn Garner and journalist Joseph Perkins. "Late Night With Conan O'Brien," NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Comedian Louie Anderson and crocodile expert Steve Irwin.

Copyright 1997 Cowles Publishing Company
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