Showstopper! Taraji P. Henson headlines CNN Heroes event in a plunging plum-colored gown and very strappy heels

Taraji P. Henson headlined the CNN Heroes event Sunday in an eye-catching plum-colored dress with a plunging neckline.

The Empire star looked stunning in the knee-length number with short sleeves and slightly padded shoulders.

She completed the look with black strappy heels and a sleek bob.

Showstopper! Taraji P. Henson was a standout on the CNN Heroes red carpet Sunday in New York in a plum-colored dress with a plunging neckline

Henson joined other celebrities picked to help honor ordinary people at the cable news network's 10th annual televised show that honors 'everyday heroes.' 

Also on hand was former Sopranos star Edie Falco.

The New York-based actress opted for an off-the-shoulder black dress that had three-quarter sleeves with bell cuffs.

Falco added black tights and black shoes and wore her short blonde hair styled back from her face.

Style queen: The Empire star added a pair of very strappy black heels and wore her hair in a sleek bob

Back in black: Former Sopranos star Edie Falco opted for an off-the-shoulder black dress that had three-quarter sleeves with bell cuffs

Blacklist actress Megan Boone opted for a pretty negligee-style gown in shiny satin with lace trim, while Olympic gymnast and DWTS champion Laurie Hernandez was eye-catching in red 

The Blacklist actress Megan Boone opted for a pretty negligee-style gown in shiny satin with lace trim.

The cleavage-baring number showed off her cleavage and the charcoal gown pooled around her feet as she posed for photos.

Meanwhile, Olympic gymnast and DWTS champion Laurie Hernandez was a standout in bright red.

The sleeveless, high-necked dress clung to her curves  and she paired i with black slingbacks.

Shiny look: Actress Diane Lane had on a sleeveless sparkly silver number that fell below the knee and added black pumps

Mom and daughter time: Lane brought along her 22-year-old daughter Eleanor Lambert who rocked a denim mini skirt with a black top, black tights and black ankles

Actress Diane Lane, in a sparkly silver dress, had a special date for the night - her daughter Eleanor Lambert.

The 22-year-old, whose father is actor Christopher Lambert, wore a blue denim mini skirt with a black top and black tights with black ankle boots.

Idina Menzel, who performed during the evening, rocked a black pantsuit with a long red silky scarf tied around her neck. 

Dapper: Idina Menzel, who performed during the evening, rocked a black pantsuit with a long red silky scarf tied around her neck

Striking look: The Frozen star wore her raven locks in a severe style with black lidded eyes lined with plenty of kohl and mascara and added dark red lip color

Distinctive: She certainly dressed to stand out from the crowd

Hosting the event held at New York's American Museum of Natural History were CNN's Anderson Cooper and Live!'s Kelly Ripa.

Cooper, who's been rumored to be in the running to become Ripa's permanent Live! co-host following the departure of Michael Strahan, held hands with  he blonde tv personality as they walked the red carpet.

The white-haired anchor wore a bespoke dark blue suit with a white shirt and electric blue tie. 

Pals" Co-hosting the event held at New York's American Museum of Natural History were CNN's Anderson Cooper and Live!'s Kelly Ripa, who held hands on the red carpet

Showy choice: Ripa was dressed in a below-the-knee dress that was covered in colorful shiny dots

Ripa was dressed in a below-the-knee dress that was covered in colorful shiny dots.

It had long sleeves and a crew neck and added midnight blue pointed-toe pumps.

Also on hand was Neil Patrick Harris who appeared on stage with a canine pal.

Doggie co-presenter: Neil Patrick Harris also appeared in the televised show arriving on stage carrying a furry canine friend

Silver fox: Richard Gere was also one of the celebrity presenters at the televised show

Honored: Celebrities presented awards to ordinary people recognized for their service to others

Lent his star power: Gere posed for pics with honoree Georgie Smith

 

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