J.J. Abrams and Katie McGrath attend as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

J.J. Abrams, Kate Hudson, Jussie Smollett Attend Children’s Defense Fund

J.J. Abrams is one of the busiest people in Hollywood, yet he still find times to give back, which is just one more reason why we love him.

The director/producer attended the Children’s Defense Fund–California, which held its 27th Annual Beat the Odds™ Awards ceremony on December 7, 2017, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California.

Josiah Bell, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Katie McGrath, and J.J. Abrams attend as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

The celebration honored five Los Angeles high school “stars” – Jackie, Ana, Jerry, Mey, and Ja’Nay – in recognition of their excellence in academic achievement, despite the overwhelming obstacles that stand in their way.

Jerry Howard Goss, JaÕNay Carter, Jacqueline Martinez, Ana-Mariana Sotomayor Palomino, and Mey Sok attend as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

The inspiring evening was hosted by Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman, along with support from co-chairs Jurnee Smollett-Bell & Josiah Bell, Carol & Frank Biondi, Ruth-Ann Huvane, Kevin Huvane, Katie Sharer & Mark Mullen, Liza & Conan O’Brien, and CDF-CA Executive Director Shimica Gaskins. O’Brien served as the night’s emcee, with co-chair Smollett-Bell pulling double duty as a presenter during the program. She was joined by additional special guests including presenters Kate Hudson, Gabourey Sidibe, Jussie Smollett, Chiké Okonkwo, and Alfre Woodard, and guests J.J. Abrams & Katie McGrath, Deborah Ayorinde, Kevin Nealon, Timothy Olyphant, Andy Richter, and many more.

Kate Hudson speaks as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

Conan OÕBrien and Kevin Nealon attend as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

The evening was filled with poignant moments, each presenter offering insight into the unimaginable obstacles that have faced these young honorees throughout their lives. Despite encountering challenges financially, emotionally, and physically, these students were able to overcome, exceed expectations, and find within themselves a hope for a better future. Presenters and guests alike couldn’t help but be moved by each and every story.

Deborah Ayorinde and ChikŽ Okonkwo attend as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

Thanks to generous support, each student honoree will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and support services including: private tutoring, one-on-one college counseling, ongoing mentoring, internship placements, life skills development, SAT prep, and week-long college tours at no cost.

Alfre Woodard, Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Marian Wright Edelman, and Jussie Smollett attend as the Childrens Defense Fund hosts the 27th annual Beat The Odds Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on Thursday, December 7, 2016 (Photo: Alex J. Berliner / ABImages )

ABOUT CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND-CALIFORNIA The Children’s Defense Fund-California (CDF-CA) is the state office of the Children’s Defense Fund, a national child advocacy organization founded by Marian Wright Edelman that has worked relentlessly for over 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF-CA was established in 1998 to meet the needs of underserved children in the state of California. With offices in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Long Beach, CDF-CA champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty, ensure all children have access to health coverage and care and a quality education, and invest in our justice-involved youth.