The Critics Choice Association revealed its slate of honorees and award recipients for their 8th annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television.
Honorees for the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television include Spike Lee, David Alan Grier, Ryan Coogler, Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch, Janelle James, Tessa Thompson, Sterling K. Brown, Jurnee Smollett, Damson Idris, Skye P. Marshall, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti, Tenika Davis and Naya Desir-Johnson.
Singer-songwriter Aiyana-Lee will perform the song she delivers in the closing of Highest 2 Lowest, where she portrays an aspiring musician chasing her big break.
The ceremony hosted by actor-musician-comedian Jay Pharoah will exclusively stream on Starz in early 2026.
Shawn Edwards, executive producer of the Celebration of Black Cinema & Television, said, “It’s truly an honor to continue our tradition of celebrating excellence in Black cinema and television. This has been a banner year where Spike Lee — the godfather of contemporary cinema — continued to inspire with his groundbreaking vision; Ryan Coogler represented the next generation of visionary filmmakers reshaping the culture with Sinners, and a record number of Black women created unprecedented impact with a wide range of diverse and high-profile roles.”
8th Celebration of Black Cinema & Television Honorees
Career Achievement Award – Spike Lee
Spike Lee will be honored with the Career Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary body of work, including Highest 2 Lowest.
Vanguard Award – David Alan Grier
Tony Award winner David Alan Grier will receive the Vanguard Award in recognition of his remarkable career across stage, screen, and television, and most recently his role on St. Denis Medical.
Director Award – Ryan Coogler
Academy Award nominee Ryan Coogler will be given the Director Award for his work on Sinners.
Documentary Award – Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch
Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch will be honored with the Documentary Award on behalf of Apple TV’s Number One on the Call Sheet.
Comedy Award – Janelle James
The Comedy Award will be presented to Janelle James for her work on ABC’s Abbott Elementary,
Actress Award (Film) – Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson will accept the Actress Award – Film for her performance as the titular iconic feminist in Nia DaCosta’s Hedda, a modern and daring reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play “Hedda Gabler” which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival.
Actor Award (Series) – Sterling K. Brown
Sterling K. Brown will be honored with the Actor Award – Series for his work in Hulu’s Paradise.
Actress Award (Series) – Jurnee Smollett
Jurnee Smollett will receive the Actress Award – Series for her work in Apple TV’s Smoke
Supporting Actor Award (Film) – Damson Idris
Damson Idris will receive the Supporting Actor Award – Film for his work in the sports drama F1.
Supporting Actress Award (Series) – Skye P. Marshall
Skye P. Marshall will be given the Supporting Actress Award – Series for her work in CBS’s Matlock. STARZ will also present Skye P. Marshall’s award with a special STARZ #TakeTheLead designation as part of its ongoing commitment to amplifying narratives by, about, and for women and underrepresented audiences.
Ensemble Award – Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, & Chase Infiniti
Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti will receive the Ensemble Award for their performance in One Battle After Another.
Breakthrough Performance Award – Tenika Davis
The Breakthrough Performance Award will recognize Tenika Davis for her work in STARZ’s Spartacus: House of Ashur.
Rising Star Award – Naya Desir-Johnson
Naya Desir-Johnson will receive the Rising Star Award for her performance in Sarah’s Oil.
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