By Kathia Woods <\/p>\n
The Critics Choice Association today announced the honorees of the 8th annual celebration of Black Cinema and Television. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 9th, in Los Angeles at the Fairmont Hotel.<\/p>\n
Shawn Edwards, Executive Producer, had these words to say about this year\u2019s honorees: \u201cIt\u2019s truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television,\u201d he said in a press release. He highlighted the \u201cbanner year\u201d for Black entertainment, noting Spike Lee\u2019s continued inspiration, Ryan Coogler\u2019s cultural impact, and the unprecedented influence of Black women in the industry.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s honorees include Naya Desir-Johnson, who will be receiving the Rising Star Award. The young actress portrays the lead role of Sarah Rector in the Amazon MGM Studios film \u201cSarah\u2019s Oil\u201d, which tells the true story of the African American girl who became a millionaire in the early 20th century after discovering oil on her family\u2019s land.<\/p>\n
Tenika Davis will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award. She will play the first female gladiator in the upcoming series \u201cSpartacus: House of Ashur\u201d on STARZ.<\/p>\n
Skye P. Marshall, whose portrayal as the fiery but lovable Olympia on the hit CBS show \u201cMatlock\u201d will receive the Supporting Actress Award.<\/p>\n
Damson Idris, who first burst on the scene as Franklin Saint in the hit FX show Snowfall, is receiving the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in the Warner Brothers\/Apple hit film \u201dF1.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chase Infinity, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall are receiving the Ensemble Award for their work on the critically acclaimed Paul Thomas Anderson film \u201cOne Battle After Another.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Jurnee Smollett, who previously honored Jaime Foxx at a celebration this year, finds herself amongst the honorees for her role as Michelle Calderone on the hit Apple TV show \u201cSmoke.\u201d She will receive the Actress Award series.<\/p>\n
Sterling K. Brown finds himself adding to an already impressive trophy case by receiving the Best Actor Award \u2014 Series for his work on the hit Hulu show \u201cParadise,\u201d which he also executive produces.<\/p>\n
Tessa Thompson will be awarded the Actress Award \u2014 Film for her portrayal of the emblematic feminist character in Nia DaCosta\u2019s \u201cHedda,\u201d a contemporary reimagining of Henrik Ibsen\u2019s classic play \u201cHedda Gabler.\u201d The film is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Thompson\u2019s remarkable body of work, which includes films such as Creed, Little Woods, Passing, and her Emmy-nominated performance in the HBO series Westworld, is further enhanced by the premiere of Hedda at the Toronto International Film Festival.<\/p>\n
The Comedy Award will go to Janelle James for her outstanding performance in ABC\u2019s \u201cAbbott Elementary.\u201d She has been nominated for a total of four Emmy Awards and has also earned a Screen Actors Guild Award and an NAACP Image Award for her role. This popular workplace comedy, produced by Warner Bros. Television and 20th Television, has garnered an impressive 30 Emmy Award nominations. James has emerged as one of the most sought-after comedians in the country, consistently selling out venues across the nation.<\/p>\n
Shola Lynch and Reginald Hudlin are being honored with the Documentary Award for their work on \u201cNumber One on the Call Sheet,\u201d currently streaming on Apple TV.<\/p>\n
Ryan Coogler continues to break boundaries. This year, \u201cSinners\u201d became the director\u2019s fourth film to gross more than 100 million. It\u2019s only fitting that he is bestowed with the Best Director award.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another veteran performer whose work has covered theater, television, and movies is David Alan Grier. He currently can be seen on the hit NBC show \u201cSt. Denis Medical,\u201d where he plays the very unimpressed Dr. Ron, who will receive the Vanguard Award.\u00a0<\/p>\n
A man who helped open the door for this current set of Black directors and is still disrupting the industry is Spike Lee. Lee will receive the Career Achievement Award. His latest film, \u201cHighest to Lowest,\u201d starring Denzel Washington, is currently streaming on Apple TV.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back to host is SNL alumnus and comedian\/actor Jay Pharaoh.\u00a0<\/p>\n
One twist to this year\u2019s ceremony is that there will be a musical performance. Aiyana-Lee, who is seen in \u201cHighest to Lowest,\u201d will close out the ceremony with a musical rendition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe yearly celebrations are vitally important to our organization,\u201d says Joey Berlin, the CEO of CCA. \u201cNot only do they reflect the diverse membership of the Critics Choice Association, but by focusing on the incredible achievements from our honorees, we shine a light on underrepresented and underappreciated storytellers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Starz will serve as the official media partner, with the awards show set to air and stream exclusively on the platform in early 2026. Hammond Infante Productions, led by Madelyn Hammond and Javier Infante, will produce the Critics Choice Association\u2019s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television.<\/p>\n
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