Black Cinema & Television Celebrated: Critics Choice Association Announces 2025 Honorees
los Angeles, CA – The Critics Choice Association will host its 8th Annual celebration of Black Cinema & Television on December 9, 2025. The event, a significant landmark in recognizing the contributions of Black artists and storytellers, will once again be hosted by the talented Jay Pharoah and will stream exclusively on STARZ in early 2026.
A Night of Recognition: Honorees Announced
This year’s selection of honorees underscores the depth and breadth of creativity within the Black entertainment landscape.The event will recognize groundbreaking work in film and television, highlighting both established icons and emerging talents.
Lifetime Achievement and Pioneering Vision
Filmmaker Spike Lee is set to recieve the esteemed Career Achievement Award. This recognition acknowledges his four-decade impact on cinema, from classics like Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X to more recent works like Da 5 Bloods. Lee’s films consistently push boundaries and spark significant conversations, making him a pivotal figure in American film history. According to the UCLA College of Letters and Science, portrayal in film has increased nearly 10% in the last five years, a trend Lee has helped to advance.
David Alan grier will be presented with the Vanguard Award. This honor celebrates his versatile career spanning stage and screen, including his memorable work on In Living Color and his current role in NBC’s St. Denis Medical.
Directors, Documentarians, and Rising Stars
Ryan Coogler will receive the Director Award for his innovative film Sinners, which utilizes cutting-edge filmmaking techniques like IMAX 70mm and Ultra Panavision 65. Reginald Hudlin and Shola Lynch will jointly receive the Documentary Award for their two-part Apple TV+ documentary, Number One on the Call Sheet. This documentary champions the historical achievements of Black professionals in Hollywood.
| Honoree | Award | Work Recognized |
|---|---|---|
| Spike Lee | career Achievement Award | Lifetime of filmmaking |
| David Alan grier | Vanguard Award | Stage and screen versatility |
| ryan Coogler | Director Award | Sinners |
| Reginald Hudlin & Shola Lynch | documentary Award | Number One on the Call Sheet |
Recognizing On-Screen Excellence
Tessa Thompson will earn the Actress Award – Film, recognizing her performance in Hedda, a modern adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play. Sterling K. Brown will be honored with the actor Award – Series for his role in Hulu’s Paradise, while Jurnee Smollett will receive the Actress Award – Series for her work in Apple TV’s Smoke.
The celebration also acknowledges emerging talent. Damson Idris will be awarded the Supporting Actor Award – Film for his performance in Apple Original Films’ F1, and Skye P. Marshall will receive the Supporting Actress Award – Series for CBS’s Matlock. Tenika Davis, from STARZ’s Spartacus: House of Ashur, will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award and Naya Desir-Johnson will be presented with the Rising Star Award for her portrayal of Sarah Rector in Sarah’s Oil.
Comedy and Ensemble Awards
Janelle James will receive the Comedy Award for her standout performance in Abbott Elementary. The Ensemble award will be shared by Regina Hall,Teyana Taylor,and Chase Infiniti for their dynamic work in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. the event will conclude with a live performance by Aiyana-Lee, performing from Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest.
The celebration of Black achievements in film and television is now more vital than ever. Recent studies from the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media show that while representation is improving, gaps still exist in diverse storytelling. Initiatives like the Critics Choice Association’s event play a crucial role in highlighting these successes and advocating for continued progress.
Did You Know?
Spike Lee is the only person to have received an Honorary Academy Award, a lifetime achievement award from the Critics Choice Association, and a Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on STARZ in early 2026 to witness the full broadcast of this prestigious event!
What are your thoughts on the honorees selected this year? Which Black films or television shows have had the biggest impact on you?
