By Kathia Woods
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.
Shawn Edwards, Executive Producer, had these words to say about this year’s honorees: “It’s truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television,” he said in a press release. He highlighted the “banner year” for Black entertainment, noting Spike Lee’s continued inspiration, Ryan Coogler’s cultural impact, and the unprecedented influence of Black women in the industry.
This year’s 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 “Sarah’s Oil”, 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’s land.
Tenika Davis will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award. She will play the first female gladiator in the upcoming series “Spartacus: House of Ashur” on STARZ.
Skye P. Marshall, whose portrayal as the fiery but lovable Olympia on the hit CBS show “Matlock” will receive the Supporting Actress Award.
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 ”F1.”
Chase Infinity, Teyana Taylor, and Regina Hall are receiving the Ensemble Award for their work on the critically acclaimed Paul Thomas Anderson film “One Battle After Another.”
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 “Smoke.” She will receive the Actress Award series.
Sterling K. Brown finds himself adding to an already impressive trophy case by receiving the Best Actor Award — Series for his work on the hit Hulu show “Paradise,” which he also executive produces.
Tessa Thompson will be awarded the Actress Award — Film for her portrayal of the emblematic feminist character in Nia DaCosta’s “Hedda,” a contemporary reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “Hedda Gabler.” The film is produced by Amazon MGM Studios. Thompson’s 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.
The Comedy Award will go to Janelle James for her outstanding performance in ABC’s “Abbott Elementary.” 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.
Shola Lynch and Reginald Hudlin are being honored with the Documentary Award for their work on “Number One on the Call Sheet,” currently streaming on Apple TV.
Ryan Coogler continues to break boundaries. This year, “Sinners” became the director’s fourth film to gross more than 100 million. It’s only fitting that he is bestowed with the Best Director award.
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 “St. Denis Medical,” where he plays the very unimpressed Dr. Ron, who will receive the Vanguard Award.
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, “Highest to Lowest,” starring Denzel Washington, is currently streaming on Apple TV.
Back to host is SNL alumnus and comedian/actor Jay Pharaoh.
One twist to this year’s ceremony is that there will be a musical performance. Aiyana-Lee, who is seen in “Highest to Lowest,” will close out the ceremony with a musical rendition.
“The yearly celebrations are vitally important to our organization,” says Joey Berlin, the CEO of CCA. “Not 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.”
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’s Celebration of Black Cinema & Television.